Mystics lay down an early marker

The defending champions, the Northern Mystics, fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition after rallying to post a 12-goal win against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in their ANZ Premiership netball opener.

Once warmed up, the Mystics produced a decisive second half to open their campaign with an impressive 64-52 win in Hamilton.

Mystics captain Mikaela Sokolichbeatson and Magic defender Oceane Maihi each copped two-minute suspensions for dangerous play during the match.

“I’m actually really embarrassed by it because it’s not how I want to play and I pride myself on being a clean player,” Sokolich-beatson said.

“So to go off in round one is really unfortunate.”

The umpire ruled Sokolichbeatson used her shoulder in a dangerous challenge, while Maihi was involved in a collision with Mystics strike-weapon Grace Nweke.

On the back foot, a two-goal halftime deficit didn’t seem to rattle the defending champions who found themselves a further five goals back in the early stages of the third quarter.

The introduction of talented Mystics newcomer Hannah Glen into the shooting circle and outstanding defender Carys Stythe saw the Auckland side finally hit top gear to lead 47-41 at three-quarter time.

Stacked with talent, the Mystics showed their ability to score quickly with Silver Fern Nweke nailing 50 goals while the team, as a unit, were clinical in turning around an inconsistent first half.

Defeated Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio (15/17) believes her side has plenty of potential this season.

“We were really great in the first half but we know Mystics can score fast and they came out and did that,” Ekenasio said.

“We’ll go away and figure it out.”