Robinhood Stars power to victory over Pulse in Auckland

The Robinhood Stars have stormed to a third victory of their ANZ Premiership season - toppling the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse 59-51 at home.

In their first meeting since last year's grand final, the Stars came into the game with a ruthless intent and appetite for revenge. The Stars were slick with the ball and dogged on defence, blowing away the Pulse and holding a 17-12 lead at quarter-time. 

Maia Wilson continued her strong form inside the shooting circle and made the most of her connection with Gina Crampton, great first quarter up five, Pressure throughout getting turnover ball and Maia strong under the hoop.

The second quarter can best be described as sloppy from both teams.

Loose passes were thrown, multiple penalties given away and in amongst the chaos the Pulse were able to adapt best and slowly chip away at their deficit and cutting the Stars' lead to just one goal.

The Stars hung tough though and were able to nab a crucial turnover in the final minute, before scoring back to back goals and leading by four, 30-26 at half-time.

The Stars produced one of their best quarters of the season in the third, rediscovering their flair and poise to regain control of the contest.

Passes now stuck and the Pulse begun to cave under the defensive pressure of Kelera Nawai-Caucau and former Silver Ferns captain Katrina Rore, who was making her Stars debut as a replacement for the ill Elle Temu. 

The Stars stormed to a 48-37 lead heading into quarter four.

The Stars were slightly rushed in the final quarter, guilty of giving away cheap possession, but with a handy cushion on the scoreboard, did enough to finish strongly and wrap up and impressive win. 

Nawai-Caucau enjoyed her best game in the Stars dress - stepping up at the defensive end, with four intercepts and five gains and being named player of the match.

The Stars' next match is against Auckland rivals the Mystics on Sunday away.