ROUND 5 brings plenty of action with the top two teams facing off for the first time this season, while the teams at the bottom of the ladder are set to fight it out.

Mainland Tactix v. Northern Mystics

It will be a battle of the bottom teams with the Mainland Tactix and Northern Mystics set to face off at Trafalgar Centre on Sunday. Both teams have struggled to find consistency in their game this season with the Mystics still winless. After a disappointing couple of weeks expect both teams to come out firing in the hope to restore some pride.

Ellie Bird is renowned for her accuracy to post and will be wanting to bring that form into her game against the Mystics. Bird combines well with her shooting counterparts Brooke Leaver and Australian, Kate Beveridge. They will have their work cut out for them with Mystics defenders, Erena Mikaere, Phoenix Karaka and Michaela Sokolich-Beatson all working exceptionally well in tandem. They apply plenty of hands over pressure, attack the loose ball and have the ability to take timely intercepts.

Through the midcourt the likes of Tactix centre, Kimmiora Poi will be one to watch with her ability to hit the circle edge, use the ball with speed and make timely drives to open space across the court. Defensively the Tactix will look to Jane Watson and Sophia Fenwick to nullify the likes of Bailey Mes, Jamie Hume and Kristina Brice who can be deadly under the post.

Central Pulse v. Southern Steel

All eyes will be on this game with the top two teams set to face each other to claim top spot. The Pulse have played one game less than the Southern Steel and are undefeated proving their dominance in the competition, while the Steel will want to show they deserve to be number one.

There will be plenty of big match ups across the court with both teams boasting star defenders and accurate shooters. Aaliyah Dunn heads up the Central Pulse attack and if her connection with teammate Ameliaranne Ekenasio is on they could prove to be too much to handle for Steel’s defensive duo of Te Huinga Selby-Rickit and Abby Erwood. Up the other end, Steel shooters Lenize Potgieter and Te Paea Selby-Rickit are deadly under the post and if they get enough access to the ball could tear the game open. Pulse’s defensive trio of Katrina Rore, Sulu Fitzpatrick and Karin Burger will pose a scary threat for the Steel.

With power at both ends it will come down to transition across the court with the likes of Whitney Souness and Gina Crampton dominant for their respective sides. Souness attacks the circle edge with speed and precision, while Crampton is methodical and uses her excellent vision to deliver the ball inside the circle.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic v. Northern Stars

The Northern Stars will be looking to make their way back onto the winners list while the Magic will be hoping to continue their strong form after a solid win in Round 4.

Maia Wilson was once again dominant last round and will be hoping she maintains that form up against the likes of Magic defenders, Casey Kopua and Kelly Jury who are renowned for their defensive prowess. It will be important for other Stars shooter, Ellen Halpenny to chip in throughout the game with her timely goals and good drives into the circle.

Defensively Northern are also strong, headed by the likes of Leana De Bruin in at goal defence, Storm Purvis in goal keeper and Kayla Cullen in wing defence. All three are renowned for their ability to read the play and interfere in the attacking flow of the opposition. Their midcourt depth is also impressive with Temepara Bailey and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan working hard across the court. For the Magic it is up to Samantha Sinclair and Simmon Howe to lead the way in transition to bring the ball down the court.