FOUR games across three days – and double-ups for the Northern Mystics and Central Pulse – make Round 2 of the ANZ Premiership one to watch. We preview all four fixtures.

Saturday, March 19 @ 4:10pm
Te Rauparaha Arena

Reigning premiers Northern Mystics will be looking to bounce back from their narrow three-goal loss to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Round 1, to take full advantage of a Central Pulse side yet to take the court in the 2022 ANZ Premiership season. The Pulse missed out on their Round 1 match with the Stars due to Health and Safety protocols.

After missing Round 1, the Mystics should welcome back Silver Ferns duo Grace Nweke and Phoenix Karaka, as well as Fa’amu Ioane to provide cover for all three lines. Though they were missing some star power, the likes of captain Sulu Fitzpatrick, and the shared load of Filda Vui and Monica Falkner combined well in the shooting circle.

The Pulse will come in with an extra week’s break and will welcome ex-GIANT Kristiana Manu’a into the defensive goal circle alongside Silver Fern Kelly Jury. Rising star midcourter Maddy Gordon will still be missing from this clash, but the likes of Aliyah Dunn, Tiana Metuarau and Binnian Hunt provide plenty of options in the front third.

Sunday, March 20 @ 2:10pm
Cowles Stadium

After suffering a 17-goal loss to Southern Steel in Round 1, Mainland Tactix will be out to perform far stronger than they did in that showing, with George Fisher proving too good for Kelera Nawai. The Tactix will now take on a Northern Stars outfit yet to play in 2022, but will be hungry to start the season off on the right note with a win.

The Tactix shooting combination of Ellie Bird and Te Paea Selby-Rickit both impressed with a high clip, and the latter was able to provide the second most goal assists too. With 29 general play turnovers last week, the Tactix just did not control possession well enough, and the likes of Silver Ferns Karin Burger and Tactix captain Kimiora Poi will hope to steady the ship with their experience.

Northern Stars will welcome back Silver Ferns defender Kayla Johnson and former Stars defender Holly Fowler back to the team to provide some stability alongside veteran Anna Harrison. Up the attacking end, Maia Wilson will likely put up a high volume of shots, whilst midcourter and fellow Ferns talent Gina Crampton also will provide much needed composure in the attacking third.

Sunday, March 20 @ 4:10pm
Te Rauparaha Arena

Playing a second match for the weekend after missing out in Round 1, the Central Pulse will also welcome the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic to Te Rauparaha Arena. The Magic got up by three goals over reigning premiers Northern Mystics in the opening game of the season, and will be looking to do so again here.

Whilst the Pulse have superb talent as stated in their first game, the Magic will be looking to go two from two in season 2022. The win against the Mystics was made all the more impressive by the fact their Silver Ferns shooting duo of Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio played one quarter between them. Instead it was Ivana Rowland who picked up the slack, and Simmon Wilbore picked up the slack in wing attack alongside other Silver Ferns Samantha Winders and Claire Kersten.

Monday, March 21 @ 7:15pm
ILT Stadium

Northern Mystics have two chances to get on the board in Round 2, with a second clash coming up against the Southern Steel. In a battle between two of the finalists from last season, the Mystics will have a point to prove having lost in the first week, whilst the Steel triumphed over Mainland Tactix by 17 goals.

Whilst the Mystics have superb talent as stated in their first game, the Steel will be looking to produce a similar effort to their first round encounter. Fisher was phenomenal in the shooting circle, with Player of the Match honours for her 47 goals from 50 attempts, whilst Shannon Saunders and Kate Heffernan both impressed through the midcourt. The latter’s sister Georgia Heffernan‘s return from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was a feel good story for the opening round. Fisher will have a much tougher match up against Mystics defender Fitzpatrick in this contest. Ex-Mystics Saviour Tui and Kate Burley will have extra motivation to win against their former teammates.