THE Northern Mystics will look to claim their first win this season, while the Central Pulse will be wanting to keep their winning streak alive against the third placed Northern Stars in Round 4 of the ANZ Premiership.

Northern Mystics v. Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic

After a disappointing start to the season the Northern Mystics will be hoping to claim their first win of the season, while the Magic will be wanting to get back on the winner’s list after missing out in the last few rounds.

The Mystics unveiled young gun, Grace Nweke who impressed under the post with her accuracy and volume and will be hoping that she brings the same form. But she will have her work cut out for her, set to come up against Magic defenders, Casey Kopua and Kelly Jury who are renowned for their defensive pressure and hunt of the ball. Magic shooters, Abigail Latu-Meafou and Monica Falkner will have to ensure they are accurate to post and make the most of their opportunities against Mystics defensive duo, Erena Mikaere and Phoenix Karaka.

Through the midcourt the battle between Tayla Earle and Ariana Cable-Dixon will be important to watch as they both work hard in offence and defence, making them real play makers for their respective teams.

Southern Steel v. Mainland Tactix

The Southern Steel have had an impressive start to the season and will be wanting to keep up that momentum coming into Round 4. Meanwhile the Tactix have had a relatively up and down season and will be wanting to gain some consistency.

The Southern Steel boast an impressive line-up with bookends, Lenize Potgeiter and Te Huinga Selby-Rickit in their respective goal circles. Steel are also strong through the midcourt with Gina Crampton driving hard onto the circle edge. The match-up between Magic centre, Kimmiora Poi and Steel midcourter Shannon Saunders will be important in delivering the ball inside the circle for both sides respectively.

The Tactix also have a strong defensive unit with Jane Watson and Sophia Fenwick working well in tandem, but will have to try and quell the influence of Steel’s shooting power.

Northern Stars v. Central Pulse

Expect a hotly contested match between the second and third placed Central Pulse and Northern Stars. Both teams are filled with stars across the court, with experience in the defence end, and prolific shooters up the other. In the end, it will come down to which defensive unit can quell the shooting power of the other side.

With the likes of Leana De Bruin, Storm Purvis and Kayla Cullen spearheading the defensive end for the Stars, Pulse shooters, Aaliyah Dunn and Ameliaranne Ekenasio will have their work cut out for them. Both shooters are accurate to post and are known for their smooth movement and rotation through the circle. Northern Stars shooting duo, Maia Wilson and Ellen Halpenny are set to combat the experience of Katrina Rore, Sulu Fitzpatrick and Karin Burger who have caused havoc throughout the competition so far.

With plenty of firepower in the attacking and defensive ends, the midcourt battle may prove to be the main difference between the two sides. For Pulse, Whitney Souness’ dynamic footwork and clever feeds are a real feature of her side’s attacking play, while the Stars will look to Mila Reuelu-Buchanan to deliver the ball into the circle.