ROUND 7 saw the Northern Mystics claim their second consecutive win and prove they are not to be underestimated. While the Magic caused a big upset win to knock the Northern Stars over at home, the Central Pulse continued their dominant run and are looking like hot favourites to take out top spot midway through the season.

Northern Mystics (64) defeated Mainland Tactix (54)

After a slow start the Northern Mystics kicked into gear to run over the top of the Tactix in the second half who were unable to maintain their intensity. The Mystics look rejuvenated claiming their second win on the run and using the ball much better down the court.

The Mystics look a lot more solid in attack with the inclusion of Grace Nweke in at goal shooter. Her accuracy to post proved to be vital for Northern nailing 48 goals from 52 attempts going at 92 percent. The connection between Bailey Mes and Jamie Hume is continuing to develop with both at times struggling to convert under the post and find a good rhythm in attack. The Mystics toyed around with their defensive line-up with Nanise Waqaira making her way onto the court after half time. She picked up three gains and two intercepts pairing well with Michaela Sokolich-Beatson who made her presence felt on the court with six gains, three intercepts and two deflections. Erena Mikaere started in goal defence and then moved into wing defence showcasing her versatility while in the attacking end Tayla Earle led the way with 20 goal assists and 29 feeds.

The Tactix gave up a nine-goal lead at half-time unable to put out a four quarter performance. Once again Ellie Bird proved to be a shining light for the Tactix credit to her accuracy under the post, high volume of shots and clever play in the circle slotting 45 goals from 53 attempts. Experienced goaler, Kate Beveridge was important in the attacking third providing Bird with plenty of the ball leading the goal assists with 17. Defensively Jane Watson was strong, getting hands to ball and using her quick feet to get into position picking up six gains, two intercepts, three deflections and three rebounds. Wing attack Samon Nathan worked hard in attack hitting the circle edge hard and using her precision passes to open up the circle.

Northern Stars (42) defeated by Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (53)

In the biggest upset of the round, the Magic defeated the Northern Stars by 11 goals to claim their third win of the season. A dominant defensive performance from the Magic proved to be enough to rattle the Stars who struggled to penetrate the circle and convert under the post. Waikato Bay set up their victory in the opening quarter with a 17 to seven lead.

Stars shooter, Maia Wilson was down on her average total and percentage only managing 27 goals from 36 attempts sitting at 75 per cent. Out in goal attack Ellen Halpenny only made a brief appearance, with young Australian, Charlee Hodges coming on in the second quarter and dominating. Hodges shot 13 from 16 at 81 percent and did a wealth of work out the front. Through the midcourt the likes of Mila Reuelu-Buchanan was solid with the experienced Temepara Bailey leading the way for her side with 34 feeds and 16 goal assists. They did not have their usual impact down in defence but Kayla Cullen starred racking up five gains and four intercepts. Captain Leana De Bruin was quiet while Storm Purvis found herself on the bench in the opening and last term.

The Magic dominated in defence with the combination between spearhead Casey Kopua and Kelly Jury proving too much to handle for the Stars. Kopua showcased her experience and class in the circle getting hands to ball and applying strong pressure finishing the game with eight gains and three intercepts. Meanwhile, Jury made sure she did not go unnoticed picking up a whopping 10 gains and six intercepts to cap off a successful evening for the Magic. Centre, Sam Sinclair displayed her athleticism with some clever work around the circle edge and worked hard in transition to move the ball down the court with ease. In the shooting circle Kelsey McPhee stood up nailing 38 goals from 45 attempts while goal attack Monica Falkner showcased her accuracy under the post going at 91 percent after sinking 15 from 16.

Southern Steel (50) defeated by Central Pulse (66)

The Central Pulse asserted their dominance on the competition once again with a convincing 16 goal win against the second placed Southern Steel. The Pulse came out hot and they did not look back winning each quarter convincingly.

The partnership between Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Aliyah Dunn is going from strength to strength with the two combining for a 93 percent shooting accuracy. Dunn shot a whopping 37 from 37 sitting at 100 per cent accuracy for the game showcasing her dominance, composure and accuracy under the post making her a real threat in the goal circle. Meanwhile Ekenasio floated across the court with ease credit to her clever drives, beautiful ball movement and clever feeds. Speedster Whitney Souness was electric through the midcourt weaving her way to the circle edge with 34 feeds and 25 goal assists.Once again Katrina Rore was stellar in defence posing a real threat down there. she picked up nine gains, four intercepts four deflections and two rebounds displaying her defensive prowess.

Gina Crampton and Shannon Saunders were excellent through the midcourt with their timely passes, ability to hit the circle edge and exceptional vision into the goal circle to help set up their shooters. Crampton amassed 32 feeds for the game and 16 goal assists leading the way for her side in attack. Lenize Potgieter was solid in the goal circle opening up space and using her strong holds to allow goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit to lead into the goal circle with ease. Potgieter finished the game with 33 goals from 38 attempts while Selby Rickit chipped in with 17 goals.