ROUND 6 of the ANZ Premiership marks a super round of netball with five games to be played. Three of the matches are set to take place on Sunday with the likes of Central Pulse and Northern Mystics to play their first double header this season. Meanwhile, the Southern Steel and Mainland Tactix will only play one game this round.

Central Pulse v. Mainland Tactix

In the first game of the round the Pulse will be hoping to extend their winning streak and make it six in a row, while the Tactix will be wanting to build on their form coming off a close win last round.

Goal shooter Ellie Bird stood tall in the goal circle for the Tactix proving her accuracy to post and ability to put up a high volume of shots. However, she will have to withstand some intense defensive pressure from the Pulse with the likes of Katrina Rore and Sulu Fitzpatrick dominating the defensive end for their side. Their ability to shut down avenues to goal and work with wing defence Karin Burger to keep the opposition off the circle edge is second to none making them a real threat to be reckoned with.

Defensively the Mainland Tactix will be looking to goal keeper, Jane Watson to try and nullify the influence of dominant goaler Aaliyah Dunn. While Tactix teammate Sophia Fenwick will have her hands full with Pulse goal attack Ameliaranne Ekenasio really finding some rhythm in attack in recent weeks.

Northern Mystics v. Northern Stars

It will be a big game for the Mystics who are still looking for their first win of the season and given the depth and skill of the Stars it will take a big upset for the Mystics to overcome the Northern Stars.

The Northern Stars are oozing class across the court with both their attacking and defensive ends scattered with Silver Ferns players, but it will be the midcourt battle that will help to determine which side will win. If Emma Iversen and Tayla Earle can get access to the top of the goal circle and feed the ball in with ease for the Mystics, it increases the chance of the shooters being able to post a decent tally. Whereas if Northern Stars youngster Mila Reuelu-Buchanan continues her impressive form on the circle edge it will allow Stars shooters Maia Wilson and Ellen Halpenny to dominant in the goal circle credit to their ability to read play and find space.

Defensively both the Stars and Mystics are strong. The Northern Stars have the likes of Leana De Bruin, Storm Purvis and Kayla Cullen who have proven to be key defensive figures credit to their impeccable timing, ability to read the play and get hands to ball. The Mystics are led by Phoenix Karaka, Erena Mikaere and Michaela Sokolich-Beatson who have displayed their ability to apply plenty of defensive pressure but at times lack that connection.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic v. Southern Steel

After a narrow loss in the previous round the Southern Steel will be hoping to get back onto the winners’ list and stake their claim at the top of the table. For the Magic, they will be wanting to keep in touch with the top three and build on their form.

The Magic have some serious fire power in defence with the likes of captain Casey Kopua and Kelly Jury a dominant force with their hands over pressure and quick feet to get into position. But the Southern Steel should be able to combat the defensive pressure credit to shooters Lenize Potgieter, Jennifer O’Connell and Te Paea Selby-Rickit accuracy at the post.

With a relatively inexperienced front end the Magic will be hoping the likes of Abigail Latu-Meafou, Monica Falkner and Kelsey McPhee can withstand the pressure from Steel defenders Te Huinga Selby-Rickit and Abby Erwood. Both defenders are renowned for their ability to read the flight of the ball and take a big intercept.

Northern Mystics v. Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic

It is a really tight turn around for the Magic who are playing the night before and the Mystics will be wanting to exploit that weakness if they are any chance to claim the three points. Both sides faced off in Round 4 reigniting the Magic’s season claiming their second win of the year.

Given the Magic have some key players in defence such as Kopua and Jury the Mystics will be wanting the experienced Bailey Mes to own the goal circle and command the ball. They will also look to the likes of Elisapeta Toeava and Emma Iversen to work hard in attack to feed the ball into the circle. But the Mystics midcourt will have to overcome the gut running Sam Sinclair and try and nullify the influence of wing attack Simmon Howe who proved to be lethal on the circle edge.

Defensively Karaka, Mikaere and Sokolich-Beatson will have to be solid and pick up plenty of loose balls if they want to stop the attacking flow of the Magic. Ariana Cable-Dixon is handy on the circle edge with her clever passes and good vision while McPhee proved that she can hold space and position well in the circle.

Central Pulse v. Northern Stars

In another top of the table clash the Central Pulse will be hoping to push out their lead on the ladder and continue their dominance. The Northern Stars are filled with plenty of big time players making for a close contest. It is the second time both teams have played each other and the Stars will be hoping that it goes a bit differently with the Pulse claiming victory in Round 5.

With star shooters’ up both ends it will come down to the ability of the goal attack to hit the scoreboard. For the Pulse Ameliaranne Ekenasio is a real asset with her smooth movement across the court and clever feeds into Dunn. Last time they met, Charlee Hodges proved to have a hot hand and find space in the goal circle with ease and will be wanting to replicate that form once again.

The midcourt battle between Northern wing attack, Mila Reuleu-Buchanan and Pulse wing defence Karin Burger will be one to watch with both always up for a contest. Burger is renowned for her physical pressure and ability to read the play making her a real asset for the Pulse down in defence.