Mystics come crashing back to Middle Earth

The Northern Mystics were brought back to earth in the ANZ Premiership last night in Hamilton despite recent wins over the two leading teams.

The Mystics were beaten by the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic 67-52 at Claudelands Arena in a Hobbitonthemed special.

As part of a sponsorship deal by the Hobbiton Movie Set, netball fans were greeted by a fully-built Hobbit Hole and organisers dressed as characters from the movie.

Sporting a one-off Hobbitonthemed green game dress, the Magic took to the court with passion and flare in a goal for goal opening quarter that suggested a much tighter finish.

Despite the availability of Silver Ferns super shooter Maria Folau, young Mystics goal attack Jamie Hume was in the shooting circle alongside Bailey Mes.

But with the tenacious defence tactics from Magic captain Casey Kopua, Hume struggled to land her long shots. sinking just six of 11 in the opening quarter to hand the Waikato/ Bay of Plenty side an early lead in the contest.

Meanwhile, South African import Lenize Potgieter was in her usual near-perfect form, shooting at 94 per cent across the match.

Potgieter, the second most accurate shooter in the league, continued to find good connection with her midcourters while showing strength in her combination with 22-year-old Monica Falkner.

With no changes to their line-up, the Mystics brought the fight in the second quarter as captain Anna Harrison led her defensive force from the front.

Harrison and Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka were quick to snatch vital intercepts from the Magic, but a crumbling Mystics attacking end often struggled to convert.

Folau was finally called on to the court for the third quarter with Mystics coach Helene Wilson desperate for her to make an impact.

However, Folau’s presence didn’t make its usual dent on the scoreline as the Magic continued to dominate with a 13-goal advantage.

By holding their decisive lead with patience and control, the Magic snatched the Hobbiton Cup and fourth place on the premiership ladder from their northern rivals.

The Mystics next face the Mainland Tactix at Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre on Sunday.