Less errors key to Tactix netball revival

Apr 29, 2016 - 10:27 PM Coach Sue Hawkins says the Mainland Tactix are unpredictable again this season.

Only now, it's in a good way.

The Tactix face the Central Pulse in Porirua on Sunday in a clash of the two second-placed teams in the New Zealand conference.

Both share the same one win/one draw/two loss record and are seeking to make up ground on leaders the Southern Steel.

It's almost bordering on a dizzying start for the Christchurch-based Tactix, the league's perennial strugglers who managed just a solitary win last year.

Australian Hawkins says the difference in 2016 is already obvious.

"Our error rate last year was huge per game and it was unpredictable who was going to do it," she told NZ Newswire.

"This year, we've nearly halved it.

"The reason is we're fitter than we've ever been so we can sustain our skill to a higher level for longer."

Hawkins said Monday's last gasp 56-55 win over the Northern Mystics had injected her players with self-belief.

They were also buzzing about the form of their new shooting mix, with Silver Ferns goal shoot Bailey Mes thriving alongside Malawi international Mwai Kumwenda.

Hawkins says Kumwenda has proved a revelation when given a run at goal attack, where opposition defences aren't sure what's coming next.

"She's unorthodox, you're not really sure what she's going to do, but she's enjoying it," she said.

"Mwayi and Bailey have a great understanding. They're still building and I believe that they're only going to get stronger."

Hawkins expects the Pulse to be hungry for victory on their home court following a heavy loss last week to the Steel.

Source: AAP