THE Northern Mystics will get a shot at back-to-back premierships after a 68-64 goal win over the Mainland Tactix in yesterday’s ANZ Premiership Elimination Final.

The first half saw the match just about as dead even, with the scores tied at quarter time, and the Mystics only leading by two at the main break. A strong back end to the third term from the Tactix resulted in them taking a narrow lead into the final break, before the Mystics showed why they are defending champions and thanks to a strong middle part of the final term saw them emerge victorious.

Although the Mystics’ had a better centre pass to goal rate (84 per cent to 72 per cent), the Tactix had a far better gain to goal rate (89 per cent to 55 per cent), which really helped keep them in the game.  The gain to goal rate is particularly interesting because the Mystics actually recorded more gains, but the Tactix only had one gain that did not result in a goal, while the Mystics had five.

The partnership between Grace Nweke (60 goals, four rebounds, two feeds, one assist) and Elisapeta Toeava (40 feeds, 21 assists) was again pivotal for the Mystics, but their defenders also shone. Phoenix Karaka and Catherine Hall both recorded five gains each and eight intercepts between them in the win.

Meanwhile for the Tactix Jane Watson (five deflections, four gains, one rebound) had another solid game in defence and Erikana Pedersen (31 feeds, 22 assists) tried to keep up with counterpart Toeava for being a workhorse through midcourt. Ellie Bird also continued to show why she has been such a handy pick up for those in red this season, shooting 55 goals and only missing one shot for the whole game.

The win sees the Mystics move on to face the Pulse in next weekend’s Grand Final, while for the Tactix a much improved season comes to an end.

MAINLAND TACTIX 17 | 16 | 16 | 15 (64)
NORTHERN MYSTICS 17 | 18 | 11 | 22 (68)