Mystics hold on for victory

The Northern Mystics secured a much-needed victory at Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena last night after losing three of their first four matches in the ANZ Premiership.

The Mystics won 53-49 to deny the Tactix back-to-back home stadium victories for the first time.

After tweaking her defence in last week’s loss to the Steel, Mystics coach Helene Wilson returned her captain Anna Harrison to goal keep, while moving Phoenix Karaka back to goal defence for the opening quarters.

Karaka’s versatile and all-round skills worked well with Harrison’s long reach to combat the tall Tactix shooters.

Without injured Tactix captain Jess Maclennan for the season, standin Jane Watson continued to lead by example at goal defence alongside the feisty Temalisi Fakahokotau.

Leading the league in rebounds, Fakahokotau did well to limit the opportunities of Bailey Mes but the Silver Ferns shooter was still able to help the Mystics to an early five-goal advantage.

With a few defensive changes and Samon Nathan taking the court at centre, the Mystics built on their new combinations with a confident transition in the final quarters.

But renowned for their thrilling comebacks, the Tactix fought back in the final quarter to threaten the Mystics’ lead.

The Northerners, however, held their ground to finish the match with strength and style while clinching their second win of the season. They remain fourth but are level on points with the third-placed Steel and one behind the second-placed Tactix.

The Steel, however, have the opportunity to pull ahead when they face the unbeaten Central Pulse tomorrow night.

If the defending champions can edge past the Pulse and put an end to the pre-season favourites’ record win streak, the Steel will be one step closer to reclaiming top spot.