Tactix determined to avoid dubious honour
Midcourter Hayley Saunders says the Mainland Tactix are desperate to avoid an unwanted transTasman netball league record.
No side in the competition’s eight-year history have lost all 13 games in a season.
The woeful Central Pulse team of 2008 should have, but their game against the West Coast Fever in Perth was deemed a draw after a roof leak at the stadium ended play. The Fever were winning 33-16 at that point.
With just two games remaining, the 0-11 Tactix are in danger of writing a new chapter for infamy. On Sunday night, they play the red-hot Queensland Firebirds in Blenheim, before taking on the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in their season finale church on May 31.
The Tactix have lost four games this season by six goals or fewer and Saunders said they were determined to produce an upset win over the final fortnight.
‘‘We want two from two. We know we’re running out of chances to redeem ourselves. We need to act now. We’re bloody hungry for a win.’’
Queensland will be overwhelming favourites, having won their
in
Christ- past nine games and leading the Australian conference.
Saunders said the Tactix respected their opponents, but were not scared of them. They had nothing to lose and hoped they could push the classy Firebirds, who contain five members of Australia’s 18-strong wider World Cup squad and standout Jamaican shooter Romelda Aiken.
‘‘We don’t care who’s in their team and what they’ve achieved this season. We want to bloody knock them off. We’re the underdogs. We just need to to go in there as 12 individuals and play fearless and care-free.’’
Saunders will be hoping for a start at wing defence after beginning off the bench against the NSW Swifts in Sydney last Sunday. It is the first time, she has not started for the team this season.
The Southlander has tasted victory just once in her two seasons with the Tactix. Losing consistently was tough for the ultracompetitive Saunders.
‘‘To be honest, I do struggle with that a bit. It does get me down. I tend to really dwell. It’s something I’ve had to work on this last month. I just want the Tactix to do well. I want this region to take a lift.’’
With coach Sue Hawkins contracted for another season next year, Tactix management will be working out which players they want to retain for 2016.
Saunders said the players were aware of the situation, but tried not to let it consume them.
‘‘The girls definitely think about it and talk about it. It definitely doesn’t change the way we feel. We go into every game, knowing our job is on the line, effectively – your position on court, is on the line.’’
Saunders was eager to return for a third season with the Tactix. She has been a consistent performer for the team at wing defence and loves living in Christchurch.
‘‘I’ve said already, as long as they want me, I’ll be here. I’d really love to be a part of the team that is the turning point for the Tactix – that team that turns it around.’’