JUST two ANZ Premiership matches take place in Round 7, after yet another COVID-19 Match Postponement Policy was put in place. The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Southern Steel were due to play today, but that match was put on ice, leaving just the two Sunday fixtures. Central Pulse and Mainland Tactix lock horns first up from 2:10pm local time in Wellington, before the Battle of the North takes place between the Northern Mystics and Northern Stars from 4:10pm.

Sunday, April 24 @ 2:10pm
TSB Bank Arena

Third placed Central Pulse will be out to join the top two sides on four wins when they host Mainland Tactix in Wellington. The Pulse have been ultra-impressive at their best by picking up a couple of bonus points, but also being involved in a number of nail-biters. The Tactix tentatively sit in fifth with one win from five games and a goal difference of minus-35, something they will be desperate to change and keep in touch with the top four. The match marks the long awaited comeback of rising star Maddy Gordon‘s return to the yellow dress.

Gordon will provide some extra spark in that midcourt alongside Erikana Pedersen who takes to the court against her former side. Pedersen will lock horns with the energetic Tactix captain Kimiora Poi in a head-to-head to watch. In the Pulse attack, Aliyah Dunn and Tiana Metuarau have been difficult to contain, though Karin Burger is a worldclass defender and one who can impact the opposition flow. Samon Nathan is one who is crucial to the Tactix success, and along with Poi will be looking to feed to goalers Ellie Bird and Te Paea Selby-Rickit. Whitney Souness has been among the most prominent wing attacks this season for the Pulse, making Gordon’s return more interesting for tactics.

Saturday, April 24 @ 4:10pm
The Trusts Arena

In the first clash between the two sides, Northern Mystics host Northern Stars in Auckland to try and claim the Barfoot & Thompson Northern Challenge Trophy. The reigning premiers proved far too good last year having won all three outings against the Stars, but are also coming off a loss to the Southern Steel, just their second for the season. The Stars have had a COVID-19 interrupted star to the year playing just the four games, but have won three, meaning a victory will be important in the run home given they have games in hand.

Towering shooters Grace Nweke and Maia Wilson are high-volume shooters who take the majority of the shooting load, so it will be key for the respective sides to put pressure up in the midcourt. Nweke’s bookend and captain Sulu Fitzpatrick is leading the league for rebounds and will be looking to contain Wilson’ impact, whilst Anna Harrison was playing netball before Nweke was born, and has more than a few tricks up her sleeve. The Stars midcourt of Gina Crampton and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan have teamed up well, whilst rising talent Tayla Earle has enjoyed a great season along with Elisapeta Toeava. Stars defender Elle Temu is also in the top five interceptors this season and can be a clever disruptor.