MAINLAND Tactix will hope to get on the board for the first time in the 2022 ANZ Premiership season when Round 3 kicks off on Sunday. The Tactix face Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in a battle of the bottom two sides thus far – albeit from two rounds – whilst Northern Mystics clash with Central Pulse, and the unbeaten Northern Stars will look to make it two from two when they tackle the Southern Steel.

Sunday, March 27 @ 2:10pm
The Trusts Arena

After dropping their first game of the season, Northern Mystics have strung back-to-back games together to rise to the top of the ANZ Premiership table. The Mystics have a superior percentage compared to their rivals with 114.7 per cent, and have also picked up a bonus point. They take on the third placed Central Pulse for the second time in as many weeks, having beaten them by six goals at Te Rauparaha Arena. Since that loss, the Pulse bounced back to knock off Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. Grace Nweke is just one goal off her century, with 99 goals from 103 attempts this season, 13 clear of the next best in Pulse’s Aliyah Dunn. The pair will no doubt be big factors in this match, with Elisapeta Toeava the standout wing attack to-date with her league-high 80 feeds, whilst Sulu Fitzpatrick has been superb in defence. The Pulse have plenty of talented stars including Whitney Souness and Erikana Pedersen through that midcourt. The Mystics will be favourites, but both teams have some high quality players.

Sunday, March 27 @ 4:10pm
ILT Stadium

After a huge win in Round 1, the Southern Steel fell back to earth with a 20-goal loss to the Mystics, and will be keen to get back on top at home against the Northern Stars. The Stars have only played the one game thus far this season, getting up over Mainland Tactix by five goals last round. Coming into her second year, George Fisher has had a memorable start to the season, winning Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Round 1. She has teamed up well with Saviour Tui and will look to worry the Stars’ defence. Goal keeper Anna Harrison is unlikely to be too flustered in taking on Fisher, in what should be a fantastic battle. Maia Wilson is a shooter up the other end to watch out for, with Gina Crampton able to set up scoring opportunities for her goalers. Southern Steel have been up and down from their two games, whilst the Northern Stars were very good in the first game out, and it will be fascinating to see if they can go at that level again.

Monday, March 28 @ 7:15pm
Trustpower Arena

Having had contrasting results, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic will be looking to get back on the winners’ list having gone down to Central Pulse by 16 goals. The Magic knocked off the Mystics by three in the opening round but were not able to match the Pulse on the road. They are back at home for this one, against a Mainland Tactix side that is yet to register a win in season 2022. Though early days, these sides sit in the bottom two with the lowest percentage, so will be keen to regain some of that back. Ellie Bird and Te Paea Selby-Rickit have shared the load for the Tactix thus far this season, and will be looking to continue that form against a Magic lineup that has been wisely resting Ameliaranne Ekenasio in her return to the court. Ekenasio and Bailey Mes could form a deadly combination in goals, with Ivana Rowland (41 goals from 48 attempts) putting up the most thus far. It could be a great battle against Karin Burger in defence, with Kimiora Poi and Samon Nathan up against the likes of Samantha Winders and Claire Kersten.