THE third and final day of the ANZ Premiership preseason series played out on Sunday with the Magic impressing and claiming the biggest win of the day. The remainder of the games were incredibly tight as the Stars and Tactix could not be separated while the Pulse just got over the line with a two-goal victory over the Mystics.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (69) defeated Southern Steel (49)

Sam Winders is a real playmaker through the centre

• Captain, Sam Winders is more than capable of playing both centre and wing defence and it was proven throughout this contest with the highly talented midcourter effectively plying her trade. Her strong attacking mindset allowed her to hit circle edge time and time again with her well executed passes also coming to the fore for the Magic frontend.

Magic attack is starting to hum

• The connection between Caitlin Bassett, Khiarna Williams and Grace Kara is developing at a rate of knots with the trio all working in overdrive to create space in the attacking third. Kara is a magician with ball in hand, consistently able to deliver the ball on a silver platter into the likes of Bassett and Williams. Playing out in goal attack, Williams did not look out of place using her well timed drives and spatial awareness to have an impact.

Youth aplenty for Southern Steel

• The Southern Steel are littered with young up and coming players and while that is exciting for the future there are a number of concerns with the side unable to really pressure sides. Their inexperience ultimately allows for the more developed players to dictate the terms of the game and dominate as shown in the contest between Tiana Metuarau and Erena Mikaere as well as through the middle with Kate Heffernan up against Winders.

Northern Stars (49) Mainland Tactix (49)

Top two contenders

• The battle between the Northern Stars and Mainland Tactix well and truly lived up to the hype with the two sides putting on an absolute spectacle. Neither side could be separated in the end as they worked in overdrive to win ball back and transition it down the court. Spearheaded by two dominant goal shooters in Ellie Bird and Maia Wilson all eyes turned to the output of the goal attack with the likes of Monica Falkner and Jess Prosser doing the hard yards out the front to provide that extra support.

Elle Temu is exciting to watch

• Sitting behind the likes of Kelly Jury, Katrina Rore and Karin Burger with Central Pulse, Elle Temu’s move to the Northern Stars has been a good one so far with the talented defender showcasing her impressive skillset. Her aerial ability is impressive able to get up for the high ball and rebound strongly to contest in the air. Her fancy footwork is another exciting element to her game play as is her deceptive closing speed. The partnership between Temu and Anna Harrison is developing at a rate of knots with the duo able to rotate through the circle seamlessly and cause confusion.

Midcourt speed is key

• Both the Mainland Tactix and Northern Stars flexed their muscles throughout their tussle but it was the speed in which the game was played at that took centre stage. Boasting the likes of Kimiora Poi, Erikana Pedersen and Samon Nathan for the Tactix and Gina Crampton, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Lisa Mather for the Stars, there was no shortage of pace through the centre. Each midcourter used a good balance of tenacity and speed to weave the ball down the court and work it to the edge of the circle for their goalers.

Central Pulse (55) defeated Northern Mystics (53)

Pulse not afraid to make bold changes

• It is not often that you would see the likes of Whitney Souness play in goal attack but that is exactly what happened with the dynamic midcourter plying her trade inside the goal circle. Her smooth movement and attacking mindset was enough to draw the attention of the defenders and open up Aliyah Dunn under the post. Although her accuracy wavered at time her overall netball smarts is what stood out, able to creatively open up space and capitalise on her chances.

Mystics have no shortage of versatility in attack

• With a highly versatile and incredibly agile attacking end, the Mystics took full advantage of their plethora of goalers with Bailey Mes getting the nod out in goal attack, Saviour Tui securing the goal shooter position for a while before Grace Nweke came on and plied her trade while Filda Vui spent time out in wing attack. The move pushed specialist wing attack, Peta Toeava out to centre as the Mystics utilised the endless amount of attacking options to keep the Pulse guessing and on their toes.

Central Pulse know how to grind out games

• The Central Pulse still have that winning mentality and are eager to develop their budding connections across the court. They were well challenged by a highly skilled and crafty Mystics outfit but in the end their consistency won through as they rode the barrage from the Mystics to reclaim the ascendancy and impress. Their hunt and tenacity allowed the Pulse to go out and cause havoc and provide chances to win ball back.