Young Tactix take on Pulse

New Tactix captain Maree Bowden says her side are out to prove their detractors wrong. The Christchurch-based team open their trans-Tasman netball campaign tonight with a home game against the Central Pulse.

With five new players in the side – four of them making their ANZ Championship debut – the Tactix have plenty of question marks hanging over them on how the young and inexperienced side will fare in the game's toughest competition.

But Bowden, who takes over the captaincy from Julie Seymour who has retired from playing but takes up an assistant coaching role with the side, said her players have been waiting for the opportunity to silence those who have written them off.

"Obviously we put a lot of pressure on ourselves but there's been a lot of talk around with people writing us off which can be quite good," she said. "I think people will be quite surprised with the product that we put out.

"I don't think teams can underestimate us because every time we get on court I am blown away by how much we have improved."

Instead, she expects the Pulse to be feeling the heat with a new-look side boasting three Silver Fern squad members and two import players.

A special dispensation from officials has allowed the Pulse – which finished last for two straight seasons – to recruit two players who are ineligible for the Ferns. Australian Jane Altschwager has come into the shooting circle and was a surprise choice for captain while England's Ama Agbeze joins a defence which includes new Pulse player and Fern Katrina Grant.

"They're pretty lucky that they could get two imports which adds to their team," Bowden said.

"But they've also got lots of players who have played in the competition before so they have that experience at that level which is a huge thing.

"They've got strength across the board now but I suppose with that brings more pressure."

The Tactix have not lost to the Wellington franchise although they have been pushed to extra time.

Bowden will want to keep that unbeaten run against the Pulse and maintain her unblemished record as captain, having led the Tactix to victory over the Queensland Firebirds last year when she stood in for an injured Seymour.

The mid-courter was relishing the chance to lead the Tactix into the third season of championship netball.

"I love having the extra responsibility. I think it's actually improved my game," she said with a laugh.

TEAMS

Tactix: Maree Bowden (captain), Hayley Crofts, Phillipa Finch, Anna Galvan, Ellen Halpenny, Charlotte Kight, Chelsea Pitman, Hannah Poff, Ashleigh Smith, Victoria Smith, Anna Thompson. Helen Mahon-Stroud (coach).

Central Pulse: Jane Altschwager (captain), Ama Agbeze, Te Amo Amaru-Tibble, Alanah Cassidy, Katrina Grant, Paula Griffin, Jamilah Gupwell, Camilla Lees, Cushla Lichtwark, Elizabeth Manu, Ngarama Milner-Olsen, Daya Pritchard. Yvette McCausland-Durie (coach).

RECORD

ANZ Championship record:
Round 10, 2009 – Tactix 59 Pulse 45
Round 8, 2009 – Tactix 49 Pulse 46.
Round 11, 2008 – Tactix 50 Pulse 49
Round 7, 2008 – Tactix 55 Pulse 50

- © Fairfax NZ News