A JAM-PACKED ANZ Premiership schedule is played for the weekend, with a massive six games across five days. In a four-game Round 10 fixture with a couple of rescheduled Round 5 clashes. The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Northern Stars have a busy week, with three games each in those five days, including two clashes against each other. Meanwhile Northern Mystics and Mainland Tactix play two games apiece – including one against each other, with the Southern Steel and Central Pulse having a relatively cruisy weekend with the sole games each.

Starting with the Magic and Stars clashes, it will be now or never for the Magic who sit with a disappointing 1-7 record and a minus-57 goal difference. Despite that, the last place Magic have picked up two bonus points and if they can do that in both their clashes with the wins, then all of a sudden they are back in contention. Having games in hand on their opposition is important, and coming away with three wins – including having to upset the Mystics – would be the only real way they can try and force their way back into contention. Meanwhile the Stars cannot afford to drop games to the bottom side, sitting third but just four points clear of Southern Steel who have a game in hand compared to the Stars.

If the Magic’s famed shooting pair of Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio can fire, it will go a long way towards victory given Samantha Winders can ensure the supply to the circle. They come up against the experienced Anna Harrison and Elle Temu from the Stars, whilst on Monday night, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and Sulu Fitzpatrick have been sensational. The Stars midcourt duo of Gina Crampton and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan are also difficult to stop.

The Stars will also take on the Pulse, with Maia Wilson and Jamie Hume still battling some inaccuracy issues that they will need to clean up. Amorangi Malesala has been a breath of fresh air on the rotation for he Stars, though life will not be easy up the other end of the court with the impressive combination of Aliyah Dunn and Tiana Metuarau. The return of midcourter Maddy Gordon was a welcome change for the Pulse last round, turning the game against the Steel, and she along with Whitney Souness will look to take control.

Northern Mystics will be looking to maintain top spot after this round, and could just about wrap up the minor premiership with games against the bottom two sides. Grace Nweke has been on fire this season, and with Crampton and Reuelu-Buchanan being so consistent, it will be a touch ask for the Tactix to try and quell them. The 3-6 Tactix are not out of it by a long shot, but cannot afford to drop too many games, which is why the games against the Mystics, and particularly the fourth placed Steel – who the Tactix would overtake with a win – are so important.

Tactix defenders Kelera Nawai-Caucau and Karin Burger have been shining lights for the fifth placed side, with Samon Nathan a key in attack. Nawai-Caucau will take on two of the best shooters in the league this weekend in Nweke and George Fisher who have a high accuracy under the post. Shannon Saunders and Kate Heffernan have been strong in the middle third of the court, whilst Kate Burley is having a sensational season in defence.

Though there is plenty of netball action, one thing is for sure, the race to the finals will have more clarity after Wednesday night.

Saturday, May 14 @ 2:10pm
Globox Arena

Saturday, May 14 @ 4:10pm
Christchurch Arena

Sunday, May 15 @ 2:10pm
Christchurch Arena

Sunday, May 15 @ 4:10pm
TSB Bank Arena

Monday, May 16 @ 7:10pm
The Trusts Arena

Wednesday, May 18 @ 7:10pm
Energy Events Centre