15 rounds and 4683 goals later, the closest ANZ Premiership season yet has culminated with three teams capable of winning the whole competition. Three-time champions, the Pulse gave a dominant performance over the second place Tactix in the weekend to secure themselves a home grand final as well as the minor premiership.
The Mystics left it to the last minute to scrape past a resilient Stars team to be only one bonus point ahead of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic – securing themselves third place. However, third place is all they needed and they will now face the Tactix in the elimination final.
While a home-game advantage and a week off from the final may give the Central Pulse enough breathing space to secure their fourth championship, the winner of this weekend’s match isn’t going to make it easy. The resurging Mystics are back to full strength with the return of their superstars Grace Nweke and Elisapeta Toeava, and the Tactix have experienced strong wins over both sides in previous rounds, so really it is anyone’s title to claim.
This weekend is anyone’s game, and below Netball Scoop analyses where it might be won or lost.
Contributors – Tobey Keddey, Nicole Mudgway, Graeme Laughton-Mutu, Steve McLeod + Adrian W
Cover image – Steve McLeod
Where: Tactix v Mystics, Saturday 27th July at 4.05pm at Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch
Previous Clashes:
Round 3: Tactix by 3: Mystics 59 – Tactix 62 at The Trusts Arena, Auckland
“Similarly, there was anticipation for the Mystics and Tactix match-up to close the round: both teams had won both games so far, and the Tactix managed to beat the defending champs at home 62-59.” – Netball Scoop NZ Netball Round Up #1
Round 8: Tactix by 14: Mystics 42 – Tactix 56 at The Trusts Arena, Auckland
“Free-flowing attack and pressuring defence led the Tactix to a comprehensive victory over a Grace Nweke-less Mystics, 56-42. While the Tactix had more turnovers than the Mystics (26-23), their shooting accuracy at 93.3% and the defensive pressure of MVP Jane Watson was outstanding. The Northern Mystics tried every player on court to see if something would work, but their inability to score (77.7% accuracy) and their lack of consistent defensive pressure lost them the game.” – Netball Scoop NZ Netball Round Up #3
Round 12: Mystics by 12: Tactix 4…/p>
