WE have reached the midpoint of the season with the Central Pulse sitting pretty at the top of the ladder, while the Northern Mystics will be hoping to continue their form coming off their first win of the season.

Northern Mystics v. Mainland Tactix

After an impressive win against the Magic last round the Mystics will be riding a wave of success and will be hoping to bring that same intensity into this week’s match-up. Meanwhile, the Tactix will want to put out a four-quarter effort and climb back onto the winners list.

A key match up across the court will be between Mystics shooter, Bailey Mes and Tactix goal keeper Jane Watson. Mes can play both shooter and attack, but if up against Watson she will have her work cut out for her, given Watson’s physical presence and aerial ability.

Through the midcourt, gut runner and defensive centre, Sam Sinclair could pose a real threat to the inexperienced Mystics. Sinclair is renowned for her two-way running, therefore Tayla Earle and Emma Iversen will be up against it through the midcourt.

Northern Stars v. Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic

The Northern Stars are coming off a big loss against ladder leaders, Pulse and will be wanting to prove that they have what it takes to compete with the elite in the league and stay in touch with the top three. The Magic are also coming off a few big losses and will be hoping to stamp their authority on the competition.

They will look to the experience of captain, Casey Kopua while the injection of youth in the side will also provide some speed and versatility. After struggling in the goal circle, it will be up to Abigail Latu-Meafou, Monica Falkner and Kelsey McPhee to find that connection and lift if they are a chance to upset the Stars.

Defensively the Stars are quite strong, boasting the likes of Leana De Bruin, Storm Purvis and Kayla Cullen making them a formidable unit. If they can all combine well, confuse the space and apply plenty of pressure against the young Magic attacking end the Stars will prevail.

Southern Steel v. Central Pulse

In a top-of-the-table clash, both sides will want to stake their claim on the competition and flex their muscles against the best team in the competition. It will be a battle of the shooters with both teams boasting high volume and accuracy at the post.

After a stellar performance against the Stars, Pulse will be up and about. Aliyah Dunn and Ameliaranne Ekenasio are forming one of the most dominant shooting combinations in the league and will be a challenge to overcome for Steel defenders. However, the Steel have plenty of experience with the likes of Te Huinga Selby-Rickit steering the ship in defence.

Steel shooter, Lenize Potgieter could prove to be a handful for the Pulse, credit to her accuracy to post, clever drives and ability to create space in the goal circle. Paired with Te Paea Selby-Rickit the two roll off the defenders, set good screens for one another and use their netball smarts to limit the influence of their opposition. But with the likes of Katrina Rore, Sulu Fitzpatrick and Karin Burger suiting up for the Pulse, they will have to up the ante if they are to come out victorious.