The Central Pulse have continued their push for the trans-Tasman netball league play-offs with a 58-50 win over the Mainland Tactix in Nelson.
The visitors repelled a second quarter comeback by the bottom-of-the-table Tactix before pulling away for a comfortable victory.
The result meant the Pulse moved level on competition points with the fourth-place NSW Swifts, who are in action against the West Coast Fever on Monday.
It also avenged their upset loss to the Tactix in Napier in March.
Paula Griffin produced a strong performance at goal attack for the Pulse after being given rare game time, starting in place of Donna Wilkins, who was nursing a minor ankle injury.
Griffin's previous appearance this season was a fleeting one in the win over the Bay of Plenty Magic last week when she came on while Wilkins was treated for a facial cut.
But she formed a good partnership in the shooting circle with Irene van Dyk.
The pair shot at 92 per cent, van Dyk getting 43 goals from 45 attempts and Griffin, who stayed on court throughout, 15 from 18.
For the Tactix, Malawi shooter Mwai Kumwenda continued her excellent form with 42 from 44 despite the Pulse's defensive pressure in the second spell.
With van Dyk, Griffin and wing attack Camilla Lees combining well, the Pulse went into quarter time up 18-15.
They looked to be opening up a big lead early in the second quarter when the margin stretched to six goals.
However, the Tactix, led by England international Jade Clarke and Keshia Grant in midcourt, lifted their intensity.
With Kumwenda slotting goals like clockwork in a perfect first-half shooting display, the home side hit back to share the quarter.
But the Pulse made their move in the third period, as Liana Leota came on in a reshuffled midcourt, with Lees moving to centre.
Aided by some sharp defensive work by skipper Katrina Grant, they stretched their lead to nine goals.
From there, they were able to keep the Tactix at arm's length.
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