Tactix pip Steel in thriller
The Mainland Tactix breathed fresh life into their national netball premiership finals hopes, pipping the Southern Steel 53-52. Having lost their last five games, four by four goals or less, the Tactix held their nerve when it counted in the dying moments in Dunedin yesterday. It also snapped an 11-match losing streak against the Steel in the national premiership and, previously, the trans-Tasman competition. The Tactix’s last win over their South Island rivals had been in June 2012. A Jane Watson deflection with two minutes left turned the contest the Tactix’s way. With the score locked at 50-50, Ellie Bird, who was a standout with 38 from 43 for the game, slotted two goals in succession as the Tactix held on to win. The Steel would have been gutted to let the game slip, having edged ahead 50-47 with five minutes left. They remain in second spot with a 6-4 record and 13 competition points. It could prove a crucial win for the Tactix, who hold down third spot on the table. The Steel were left to rue some inconsistent shooting, converting just 52/68 of their attempts (76 per cent). Chasing their first win since May 23, the Tactix clung to a 34-31 advant- age midway through the third quarter. The Steel hit back every time the Tactix tried to edge ahead with Jennifer O’Connell in accurate touch in the shooting circle. Little separated them all game, with the largest lead from either side being just four goals.