Sāmoan netball duo star as Mystics pip Steel to stay on top

Round three of the ANZ Premiership competition delivered a thrilling display of championship netball.

The Northern Mystics faced a tough challenge after losing their key shooter, Donnell Wallam, to injury just before the end of the third quarter of their match against the Southern Steel in Dunedin on Monday night.

In a clever move, Mystics' coach Tia Winikerei moved Peta Toeava, a skilled player known for her midcourt dominance, to the goal attack position for the final nine minutes. The change brought excitement as the Sāmoan-born Toeava showed her versatility on court.

Both teams came into the match, with the defending champions from Auckland defeating the Pulse and the Steel proving too strong for the Magic a week earlier.

Although the Mystics were trailing by five points at the last break, some fantastic defensive plays by Carys Stythe and Kimiora Poi set the stage for a remarkable comeback by the Steel.

Mystics' shooter and Sāmoan-born Filda Vui levelled the score with a remarkable two-point shot in the last couple of minutes. Thanks to a crucial turnover by Holly Rae, the Mystics seized the opportunity they needed to win the match 55-54 and keep the Georgina Salter Memorial Trophy.

The Steel was still without their midcourt star Kate Heffernan due to injury, but kept the same starting lineup from their game against the Magic. Meanwhile, goal attack Hannah Glen made her first appearance of the season for the Mystics.

Toeava and Wallam's connection was evident from the beginning as the Mystics quickly moved the ball down the court.

The Southerners showed promise with their ball control and strong defence, but needed more patience in their play. The Mystics held a slight lead thanks to the sharp shooting from Wallam and her opponent, Aliyah Dunn, who were both playing well.

Georgia Heffernan looks to the circle against the Magic during their round two clash in Hamilton. The Steel won 69-41. Photo/DJ Mills/Photosport

As the game progressed, the Steel took the lead. Georgia Heffernan hit the first super shot of the quarter, putting the hosts ahead 17-13 at the first break.

After the break, the shooters maintained their strong performance, and both teams exchanged goals in an exciting display of skill. Steel centre Poi was heavily involved, and the Mystics eventually found their rhythm, taking a narrow 31-30 lead into halftime.

The Mystics started the second half fiercely, disrupting the Steel's attacks. Captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson was instrumental in defence, forcing errors from the Steel, resulting in pinpoint feeds from Toeava and Vui into Wallam. Despite the Mystics stretching their lead to six points, Dunn kept the Steel in contention by nailing a super shot.

But disaster struck when Wallam suffered a wrist injury while trying to grab a rebound, forcing her off the court. With Vui moving back to shooting and Glen switching back to goal attack, the Mystics maintained a 47-42 lead as they headed into the last quarter.

Tactix win thriller over Magic

In other results, the Tactix narrowly defeated the Magic 48-44 in a tense battle in Hamilton on Sunday.

Both teams were looking to bounce back from losses, leading to an exciting game with lots of action and lead changes.

Strong defensive work from Karin Burger and Jane Watson was crucial in keeping the Tactix in the game, especially during tougher moments.

While still searching for their first win of the season, the Magic put up a commendable fight, with notable performances from their captain, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, and defenders Georgie Edgecombe and Georgia Tong.

Tactix midcourt specialist Erikana Pedersen on attacks against the Magic in Hamilton. Photo/DJ Mills/Photosport

Pulse bounce back with win over Stars

Meanwhile, the Pulse made a strong comeback, defeating the Stars 69-45 in Auckland on Saturday.

After a tough loss the previous week, the Pulse excelled in all areas of the court.

Although the Stars kept the score close during the third quarter, they were outmatched in the other periods. The defensive trio of Kelly Jackson, Parris Mason, and Fa’amu Ioane was outstanding, effectively neutralising the Stars' attacking efforts and contributing to a dominant overall performance.

On the offensive end, the Pulse displayed fluidity in their through-court play, with shooter Amelia Walmsley finishing strong by scoring 55 goals from 57 attempts under the hoop.

Tiana Metuarau, of the Pulse, aims from the super-shot line as Stars' defender Lili Tokaduadua tries to stop her. Photo/Joshua Devenie/Photosport

Encouraged by their recent victory, the Stars began the match with the same starting seven that had previously performed well against the Tactix, including young defender and Fijian-born Lili Tokaduadua, who made a notable impact at goal defence.

The Pulse also maintained a consistent lineup, featuring midcourters Whitney Souness and Maddy Gordon, who increased their on-court minutes after returning from injury.

Both teams applied early defensive pressure, but the Pulse ultimately gained the upper hand to win the game.

After three rounds, the Mystics remain in first place on the table with nine points, followed by the Tactix (7), Pulse (6), Steel (4), Stars (3), and Magic (1).