THE penultimate round of the ANZ Premiership witnessed some surprising results as the race for finals heats up ahead of next week’s final round.

Mystics remain in the contest after all important win

Northern Mystics (68) defeated Central Pulse (58)

The game just proved how important Grace Nweke is to the Mystics in her first 60-minute performance since her injury. It also showed how much netball is a four-quarter performance, as the Mystics took out the second quarter 22 to 13, which was what brought the Pulse undone as the margin for the other three quarters combined was a mere goal.

The home side scored off of 84 per cent of their centre passes compared to the Pulse’s 66 per cent.

Nweke (57 goals and eight rebounds) did not have it all easy in the circle, as although she had another dominant performance, she was shaken by Kelly Jackson (five gains, seven deflections and three intercepts) who constantly confused the space and caused a few passes to go astray.

The battle in the circle between Carys Stythe (six gains, 10 deflections, one intercept and one rebound) and Tiana Metuarau (10 goals, 38 feeds and 27 goal assists) was also a tough battle with both players making a significant impact to their respective sides. 

Magic just escape a determined Tactix outfit

Mainland Tactix (49) defeated by Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (51)

The Magic held their own and kept within finals contention, just one point short of the top three. It was a very back-and-forth game with 10 lead changes with the biggest lead being five goals to the visitors.

A late four goal run was just enough for the Magic to obtain a big enough lead to get the win by two goals. Both teams relied on their gains and their conversion from those as the centre pass to goal rates were inferior than the former.

Aliyah Dunn (26 goals) held her own in the goal circle but was intimidated by Erena Mikaere (five gains, three rebounds, three deflections and one intercept) early in the game with Dunn having her first miss of the season.

It was an entertaining battle down in the other circle with experienced heads Ameliaranne Ekenasio (19 goals and 19 centre pass receives) and Jane Watson (five gains, five deflections, three pickups and two intercepts) giving it their all. The physicality in the circle was tough, but the smarts from both players was classy.

Claire O’Brien (28 feeds and 23 goal assists) and Georgie Edgecombe (two gains, five pickups and two intercepts) starred for the Magic in their midcourt doing a mountain of work in attack with Edgecombe staring in defence.

Stars hold off Steel in one-point thriller

Southern Steel (53) defeated by Northern Stars (54)

A late three goal run to the Stars earned them another win this season despite the Steel putting up a good fight. The home side led by as much as six goals late in the third quarter after a topsy turvy second term with both sides producing significant leads.

It was a game of unpredictability as the Stars scored more from their centre passes, whereas the Steel capitalised more off their gains. The defence from the Stars forced the home side to pass out of the circle and rotate for a better option with the difference of 16 feeds.

Grace Namana (37 goals and three rebounds) was strong at the post despite a powerful Kate Burley (four gains, three rebounds and one intercept) who was able to win back plenty of ball for the successful Stars. Add Holly Fowler (one gain, six deflections and one intercept) in the circle and the Stars got just what they wanted in disrupting the play.

Maia Wilson has continued her fine form shooting 38 goals with the help of Lisa Mather (12 feeds, 12 goal assists and one intercept) who plied her trade in both centre and wing defence. For the Steel, Abby Lawson (four gains, three rebounds and one intercept) tried her best to turnover ball and had the confidence in her side to convert.