Unwanted Aussie Ash Barnett’s late heist keeps Tactix flying as Pulse finals hopes go flat

Sunday, 10 May 2026

With the game on the line, Australian defender Ash Barnett turned into a ball-getting machine.

In a top of the table ANZ Premiership clash, the Mainland Tactix pipped the Stars 52-50 in the game of the season in Christchurch on Sunday.

This was a titanic battle all afternoon with the largest lead being just four goals by the Tactix.

To think goal keep Barnett was lying on the court in pain after spraining her ankle in the second quarter. She left the game to receive treatment, but returned in the the third quarter and was immense for the Tactix late in the game.

Barnett picked up two crucial late intercepts and another defensive gain to turn the match the Tactix way.

Unwanted by the Queensland Firebirds in Australia’s Super Netball this season, Barnett has been exceptional and a key reason for the Tactix’ early season success. The 23-year-old and former Pulse player Laura Balmer have quickly developed a formidable partnership in the Tactix defensive end.

This was the Tactix’ ninth straight home win, dating back to last season, where they were unbeaten in the Canterbury region.

The Tactix would have been thrilled to hold on for a precious win, again doing so without inspirational captain Erikana Pedersen, who injured her shoulder two weeks ago. Pedersen’s arm is in a sling and coach Donna Wilkins said on Sunday she was at least another two weeks away from a potential return.

Trailing 43-40 entering the final quarter, the Stars went on a 7-2 run to open the last term to hit the front.

It was anyone’s game in the final minutes, but the Tactix held their nerve and were able to produce the match-altering moments.

Martina Salmon, a member of the grand final winning Tactix side last season, had a chance to tie the game late with a two point shot, but missed.

Goal shoot Hannah Glen, who had not stepped on court for the Tactix this season prior to Sunday, was handed a surprise start over Australian Charlie Bell.

Glen, back at the Tactix after a stint with the Northern Mystics, made the most of her rare court time. She converted 34 of her 38 attempts and delivered a composed showing against a tough Stars’ defensive circle.

Glen and Amorangi Malesala formed an effective combination, giving Wilkins plenty of food for thought for upcoming games with Bell also another strong option.

The Stars had their opportunities late and had they been more decisive they might have snatched it. Barnett was the difference between the sides late, proving a nuisance for the Stars’ attackers.

Meanwhile, a regular fixture in the ANZ Premiership finals could be missing for the first time since 2021 after the Central Pulse slumped to their fourth straight loss.

Saturday’s 55-47 defeat to the Mystics in Porirua leaves the Pulse facing a mammoth task over their remaining five round games.

With just five competition points from their first five matches, the Pulse may need to win every outing from here to sneak into the top three finals. The Pulse last missed the finals in 2021 when they won just four of their 15 games.

After opening the season with a win over the Magic, Anna Andrews-Tasola’s side have dropped four games on the bounce.

All four losses have been relatively close, beaten by five, four, seven, and eight goals.

Expectations were tempered for the Pulse this season after their squad was decimated in the off-season, losing a stack of star power. Any netball side losing the firepower of Silver Ferns stars Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon (both to Australian Super Netball), Amelia Walmsley (to the Stars), former Silver Fern Whitney Souness (also to Australia), and Tiana Metuarau (to England) would be up against it.

The Pulse still have enough quality performers, including vastly experienced former Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, to challenge for finals netball, if they can get on a winning run.

The Mystics made it back-to-back wins for the first time this season, celebrating midcourter Tayla Earle’s 100th match for the team with a victory.

Silver Ferns defender Catherine Hall hobbled off late in the game after colliding with the post with what appeared an ankle injury. The Mystics will hope it is nothing serious, given Hall’s importance to the team.

It does not get any easier for the Pulse, facing the red-hot Southern Steel in Wellington in their next outing.

The Steel earned their fourth straight win, outclassing the Magic 61-48 in Tauranga on Saturday.

Steel goal shoot Aliyah Dunn, the competition’s most prolific and accurate shooter, was in doubt leading into the match with a calf injury.

There was some talk Dunn might miss the game, but she took the court and shone again, converting 40 of her 41 attempts in her 53 minutes of action.

The Steel blew away the Magic 17-9 in the second term after it had been level at 14-14 after the opening quarter.

ANZ Premiership points after five rounds

Steel 12, Tactix 12, Mystics 10, Stars 10, Pulse 5, Magic 0.