Robinhood Stars hang tough to subdue Steel in Auckland

The Robinhood Stars have dug deep late to snap a two game losing run - toppling the Ascot Park Hotel Steel 49-47 in Auckland.

With the Stars intent on rebounding from a disappointing last two outings - they came out fired up and focused in the first quarter, The Stars pressed hard on defence, making the Steel work for their goals and while they were able to force turnovers, the Stars weren't able to capitalise as much as they would have liked.

Shooter Maia Wilson cut an imposing figure under the hoop and was causing problems for the Steel defence, as she continued her hot run of shooting form.

The first quarter was an arm wrestle and the Steel showed they were going to provide stiff competition, keeping the score tight, before the Stars went on a run late to take a 12-10 lead into the second period.

The Stars looked a lot more relaxed and polished in the second quarter. Passes were flowing smoothly and chances were being converted as the Stars began to build a solid advantage.

Leading by as many as eight goals, the Stars leaders were stepping up and taking control. At the back of the court, Kelera Nawai-Caucau and Holly Fowler were causing the Steel shooters trouble and nabbing intercepts and forcing errors from the Steel.

The Steel showed some resolve late in the quarter, as the Stars became slightly disjointed, narrowing the gap to five goals, with Stars ahead 27-22 at half-time.

Whatever was in the Steel's half-time oranges, it helped them take to the court with a new pep in their step. They caught the Stars napping and forced successive turnovers, slowly whittling down the deficit until it was completely erased and the scores were locked at 30-apiece. 

Determined not to let the Steel's momentum overwhelm them, the Stars responded with some strong play to wrestle back the advantage.

Wing defence Samon Nathan was into everything, lurking wherever the ball was, ready to pounce like a seagull on a hot chip and was rewarded with some very timely intercepts.

The Stars held composure late and went into the final quarter up 39-36.

The final quarter was an intense showcase of gritty netball from both teams. Neither side wanted to give the other an inch and the Steel kept nipping at the Stars heels and found some reward, with stops and then goals of their own to take the lead with around four minutes remaining in the match.

The Stars rallied when it mattered most though, forcing a vital couple of turnovers late, with Amorangi Malesala coming up clutch in the shooting circle to secure an important victory.

The Stars next head to Wellington on Saturday to face the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse.