For spot in title decider
sistently accurate to secure her side to a slim three goal lead at the end of the opening quarter.
Meanwhile, Silver Fern midcourter Shannon Francois caused early problems for pocketrocket Tactix centre Kimiora Poi. Francois’ swift movement and tight defence slowed down Poi’s ability to feed the ball from the circle edge as Tactix shooter Ellie Bird fought for space under the hoop.
The Steel extended their lead as a result, but the force of Fakahokotau and Watson’s defensive unit took full effect late in the second quarter as the Tactix suddenly turned things around.
As their Southern rivals edged their way back one turnover at a time, the Steel were robbed of their lead with the Tactix securing a one goal advantage at halftime.
The seesaw affair continued throughout the final stanza as the Steel made back lost ground to briefly set the clash at goal-for-goal play.
But, as the game got tight, the Tactix struggled to hold it together in the final minutes.
A late surge saw the Steel storm ahead, to the cheers of a loud home crowd, to secure the win and keep a perfect home ground winning record.
The Steel will now play the Pulse at 4.10pm on Sunday afternoon in Palmerston North in the highlyanticipated sold-out grand final.
The Pulse are the team to beat, after sitting at the top of the table all season.
And, after narrowly missing out on the title last year to the Steel, they will be desperate for redemption.