Action-packed final ANZ Premiership round an emotional finish
![](https://cdn.central.rookieme.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/05/ANZ-Premiership-Game-review-graphic.jpg)
IT was an action-packed final round of the ANZ Premiership season, as the finalists were finally confirmed.
Magic win but still miss finals
Southern Steel (44) lost to WBOP Magic (55)
Despite comfortably defeating the Steel by 11 goals on Saturday afternoon, the WBOP Magic have fallen agonisingly short of booking a spot in the finals.
The Magic easily won the first three quarters – including by 10 goals in the third – so by the time the Steel kicked into gear and won the last quarter, it was a case of too little, too late.
Erena Mikaere had a monster game for the Magic, picking up a whopping 10 gains and nine deflections. Ameliaranne Ekenasio (22 goals from 25 attempts, 13 feeds, seven assists, four rebounds) also had a big game.
Meanwhile, Abby Lawson (seven gains, four intercepts, three rebounds) had a big game in defence for the Steel, while Summer Temu only missed two shots all game.
Mystics book finals berth in Auckland Derby
Northern Stars (55) lost to Northern Mystics (63)
The Mystics were the ones to pip the Magic for that third spot in the finals after defeating cross town rivals the Stars by eight goals.
The Mystics jumped out to a quick start before the Stars fought back and reduced the margin to three goals at the main break. However, the Stars could not keep the momentum going in the second half as the Mystics won the third and last quarters to take the win.
The partnership between Grace Nweke (52 goals, seven rebounds) and Elisapeta Toeava (39 feeds, 26 attempts) was again critical for the Mystics, while Kate Burley (seven gains, five intercepts) and Tori Kolose (38 feeds, 17 assists) both had huge games for the Stars.
Pulse book Grand Final spot after top of table clash
Central Pulse (58) defeated Mainland Tactix (44)
The Central Pulse are the first team into the Grand Final after a 14-goal win over the Tactix.
The Pulse set up the win with a +9 goal first half, but then capped it off with a plus-eight goal third half.
Much of the scoring for the Pulse came from Amelia Walmsley, while Tiana Metuarau did a huge amount of work assisting her outside the ring.
Erikana Pedersen did a mountain of work in the mid court for the Tactix, while Aliyah Dunn only missed three shots all game.