THERE are only two more weeks to go in the ANZ Premiership regular season with Round 13 seeing some blowouts and a nailbiter.

Tactix get convincing win over Stars

Northern Stars (54) defeated by Mainland Tactix (65)

The Tactix put on a clinical 60 minute display in front of a Stars home crowd, extending their lead at every break to win by 11 goals.

In only her third game back for the season, Aliyah Dunn shot 31 goals to continue her 100 percent shooting for the season. It was all defence for the Tactix this game with Karin Burger (five gains, eight deflections, one intercept and one rebound) putting in the effort in and outside of the circle. Kimiora Poi has also heightened her defensive status this season with five gains all through intercepts. This goes along with 40 feeds and 21 goal assists.

The defensive effort of Holly Fowler (five gains, five deflections and four intercepts) kept the Stars in the contest with Maia Wilson (44 goals and three rebounds) who’s been in fine form this season able to finish the work off at the post.

Mystics silence Southern crowd

Northern Mystics (68) defeated Southern Steel (47)

After a dominant 21-goal performance over the Steel, the Mystics have regained third position on the ladder.

Defence from the Mystics was on another level, with the circle defenders having 12 gains between them helping their side win all four quarters. The visitors were costly with their ball use, coughing up the ball on 28 instances — with Serina Daunakamakama️️️️ having 10 turnovers herself. This was in stark contrast to the the Mystics, who only had 18 with Katie Te Ao being their most costly with eight turnovers.

The Steel were able to convert from their turnovers at 85 percent, but not their own possession.

A physical match up between Grace Nweke (40 goals and three rebounds) and Taneisha Fifita (three gains, three deflections, two intercepts and one rebound) was entertaining as Fifita was able to get underneath Nweke’s skin in the first half. The flow in the attack end wasn’t like the Mystics of normal with Elisapeta Toeava having minimal impact in her time on court.

Kate Heffernan (33 feeds, 17 goal assists and two gains) tried to get some momentum going for the Steel throughout the match.

Pulse get their comeback story

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (48) defeated by Central Pulse (53)

It looked as though the Magic had this win in the bag, but in familiar Pulse fashion, they had a nine-goal turnaround to win by five goals. The Magic still earned themselves a bonus point and are sitting just behind the Mystics on the ladder at the moment.

Maddy Gordon (11 feeds) and Amelia Walmsley (16 goals) returned to the yellow dress this week. Walmsley had a few falls in the fourth quarter, but she was able to get back up unscathed

A 13 goal to six fourth quarter secured the win for the Pulse, who were able to keep clawing their way back into the game from as early as the second quarter. Penalties in the Magic defensive circle hurt them (with 27 compared to Pulse’s 10), just allowing more free shots under the post to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Claire O’Brien (37 feeds, 37 centre pass receives and 22 goal assists) has improved every week and this game kept that trend going. Her ability to get on circle edge and feed from the pocket is elegant. Most passes are able to find the Magic shooters with ease if not for Kelly Jackson (10 gains, eight deflections, two intercepts and two rebounds).

Down the other end Georgia Takarangi (three gains, four deflections, three intercepts and two pickups) who adds the drive and punch in attack while in transition.