Steel surge, Magic fire and the Mystics stay on top in high-scoring Super Netball round

The Steel remain right in the hunt for top spot after a strong comeback win over the Northern Stars in Auckland on Sunday.

The Southland side powered home after a slow start to post the highest score of the season so far.

Despite being under early pressure, the Steel settled into rhythm from the second quarter and never looked back. Their full squad of 11 players all seeing court time in a controlled, clinical display.

Goal shooter Aliyah Dunn was once again central to the win after finishing with a near-perfect 54 from 55 while Amelia Walmsley kept the Stars in the contest early with 46 from 50 before the home side faded under sustained pressure.

The Stars made the stronger start, led by their midcourt work and early accuracy under the post. But the Steel gradually worked their way back into the contest and took control before half-time 34-29.

From there, the visitors lifted again with their defensive pressure and quick ball movement forcing errors and opening up scoring chances at the other end.

The Steel’s attacking flow proved too much in the end as they pushed further ahead to close out a commanding win and continue their push towards the Finals Series.

In Hamilton, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic produced a second-half surge to defeat Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse 50-39 on Saturday.

It was a powerful finish built on defensive pressure and sharp shooting from Saviour Tui.

A high-scoring round of Super Netball saw the Steel, Magic and Mystics all deliver key wins as the race for Finals Series positions heats up. Photo/Photosport/Blake Armstrong

Tui delivered one of the performances of the round with 34 from 36 including a key two-point shot late in the game. The Magic completely shut down the Pulse in a 30-13 second-half turnaround after trailing at the break.

The Pulse had controlled much of the first half through patient build-up and strong shooting from Ameliaranne Ekenasio, but struggled to maintain that edge as the Magic lifted intensity through the middle stages.

Momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter as the Magic’s defensive end forced turnovers and their attack capitalised with cleaner, faster ball into the circle.

Meanwhile in Christchurch, the Northern Mystics edged closer to securing the minor premiership after surviving a late scare to beat the Tactix 53-51 in extra time.

Goal shooter Maia Wilson led the way with 38 from 40 as the Mystics again showed their composure in tight finishes, holding firm after the scores were locked at 48-all at full time.

The Tactix, backed by a strong home crowd, looked in control late in the contest but were unable to close it out as the Mystics produced another strong finish under pressure.

Across the round, the intensity of the competition remained high as teams head into the final stages of the season with Finals Series spots and top seeding still up for grabs.

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