Upset win keeps Tactix in touch

The identity of the third national netball premiership finalist remains anyone’s guess following the Super Sunday triple-header in Auckland.

The Mainland Tactix began the afternoon with a crucial upset win over the table-topping Central Pulse, 44-39, which means they remain third on the ladder, and in the box seat to take it.

They are still two points clear of the Northern Mystics, who kept touch with a big win over the Northern Stars in the second match at Pulman Arena, 70-52.

The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic’s own hopes then ended, as they were beaten 75-58 by the Southern Steel in the final game of the day, which featured a 20-minute stoppage, after the lights went out seconds in.

The Tactix have just one game left to play – against the Magic on Monday week – and have a twopoint lead over Mystics – who have two – against the Magic this Wednesday, and the Pulse a week after that.

If both teams win out, it will come to the goal percentage, and the Mystics’ 18-goal win boosted theirs to 96.6 per cent, with the Tactix on 97.6 per cent.

Looking to topple the Pulse for the first time this season ahead of a potential finals showdown, the Tactix emerged playing with great freedom at the attacking end, looking to find Ellie Bird and make the most of the height and size advantage she had over defender Sulu Fitzpatrick.

Bird finished with 34 goals from 40 attempts, including two at the end of the fourth quarter which kept the Tactix well in front when the Pulse were closing hard at the death.