Contributors – Nicole Mudgeway, Graeme Laughton-Mutu + Steve McLeod
The season so far
Round 12
The Magic kept up their winning streak with another win against the Stars, 51-47. The win means a clean sweep for the Magic against all three Stars matches this season, as well as ensuring the Stars are out of contention for the playoffs. Yet another bonus point secured by the Stars makes their tally of nine an ANZ Premiership record. Back to (basically) full strength, the Mystics surprised everyone but themselves with a convincing 61-49 win against table-toppers, the Tactix. The combined return of Grace Nweke and Peta Toeava restored the Mystics’ self-confidence, leaving the Cantabrian crowd somewhat silenced.
The smothering defence of the Mystics shut down the Tactix during Round 12. Image – Steve McLeod
The last game of the Round saw the Pulse deal a strong blow to the Steel at home, clinching a 65-38 win. Kelly Jackson had a blinder, finishing with 15 gains including six intercepts. To cap things off, the win saw the Pulse secure the Robyn Broughton Legacy Trophy.
Round 13
The Stars are now out to disrupt the other teams, but were unable to do so against their match against the Tactix, suffering a 65-54 loss to the red and black. Aliyah Dunn started her first match this season and played as though she’d never been away. The Mystics showed everyone that at full strength, they’re almost unbeatable as they won 68-47 over the Steel in their biggest win of the season so far. Despite the in-form Magic leading at every quarter break, they were unable to withstand a late comeback from the Pulse, who managed to clinch a 53-48 win. That brings the Pulse one step closer to a home final, and the bonus point loss keeps the Magic in the running for the playoffs, but means winning their next two matches is critical.
Round 14
The Mystics ensured they remain in finals contention with a 68-58 win over the table-topping Pulse. The second quarter saw the Mystics leave the Pulse in the dust (22-13), a margin the Pulse were unable to overcome. The Magic weren’t giving up without a fight and their two point win (51-49) over the Tactix sees them live another day. Both ends of the court played crucial roles in the Magic securing the win, as the Tactix found themselves unable to overcome the continual pressure.
Saviour Tui had another impressive performance highlighting her skills in Round 13. Image – Graeme Laughton-Mutu
With both teams seeking a second win for the season, the Stars and the Steel both left everything out on court. The Stars were victorious in a 54-53 win, despite the will of the Dunedin crowd.
Round 15
In Reinga Bloxham’s last match with the Steel, the team were unable to pull off a win against the Magic, who were putting in one last bid to reach the preliminary final. The Magic secured the win 55-44, meaning their finals hopes would be decided by games to come. The Mystics soon put an end to that however, with their 63-55 win seeing them hold onto third place. The last match of the round was to determine where the Grand Final would be played, and who would be playing the Mystics in the preliminary final. The Pulse showed the crowds why they deserved the win, a well fought match seeing the Pulse win 58-44.
The Tactix will now host the Mystics in the preliminary final Saturday 27th July in Christchurch. No doubt the Pulse will be watching on eagerly to see who they will be hosting the following weekend in the Grand Final.
Ladder at the completion of round 7 (taken from the ANZ Premiership website)
Source link
