Netball: Mystics beat Tactix in grand-final rematch

The Mystics have ended the unbeaten run of the Tactix, with a 52-43 win over the team that upset them in last year's ANZ Premiership grand final, while the Steel have moved to second place behind the Mystics after beating the Pulse.

The Mystics v Tactix meet on Saturday was the first between the teams since last year's Premiership final, which would have haunted the Northern Mystics in the off-season.

They were red hot favourites going into the final, but the Mainland Tactix played their best game of the season, beating the Mystics 58-46 in Auckland.

With just one change to the team in the off-season, the Mystics are seen as title contenders again. But they came into Saturday's fourth round sitting fifth on the ladder, with one win and two losses.

In stark contrast, the Tactix have exceeded expectations by sitting at the top of the ladder, despite losing seven of their premiership team.

The Tactix were without captain Erikana Pedersen, who is nursing a shoulder injury that forced her off the court in round three. Youngsters Parris Petera and Taiana Day shared time in the midcourt in her place.

The sides drew 12-all at the end of the first quarter at Auckland's Trusts Arena - the scene of last year's grand final.

Mystics coach Tia Winikerei sprung a surprise when she put Tayla Earle in at wing attack for the first half of the second quarter in place of Peta Toeava.

Toeava returned to the court and brought up her 150th National League match. The 32-year-old has played all of her matches for the Mystics, since making her debut in 2013.

Winikerei made countless substitutions throughout the match.

The Tactix led by just one at half-time but the Mystics came out firing in the third quarter.

The Mystics, knowing they had to get their season on track, won the third period 14-7 for a six goal lead heading into the final term.

Mystics defender Catherine Hall started creating havoc for the Tactix shooters, and finished the game with another big haul of defensive gains.

Mystics shooter Sophia Lafaiali'i, who spent 50 minutes on court, impressed with a 36 goal effort at 90 percent accuracy.

Amorangi Malesala, who has been in fine form since her move south to the Tactix, had a solid outing but was only able to convert one of several attempts at the two-point shot.

Tactix coach Donna Wilkins said her side missed Pedersen and that it showed at times when panic started creeping into the midcourt.

Pedersen is still being assessed as to the extent of her injury.

Steel beat Pulse

The Steel have moved into second place behind the Tactix after their 54-47 victory over the Pulse in Invercargill.

Both the Tactix and Steel are now on nine points, though the Tactix hold top spot courtesy of a slightly better goal difference.

The Mystics are third, with the Pulse fifth.

The Steel just held the edge after the first quarter, before going eight ahead at halftime, and extending that to 12 points at the end of the third quarter.

The Pulse lifted their intensity in the final quarter, outscoring the Steel 14-9 but the southerners were able to hold them out.

Goal shoot Aliyah Dunn shot 41 from 43 for the Steel, with Georgia Heffernan netting 13 from 18.

Dunn left the court with a leg injury in the final few minutes.

Ine-Mari Venter shot 31 for 39 for the Pulse, while Ameliaranne Ekenasio landed 14 from 17.

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