Tactix in uncharted waters with one foot in playoffs
The Mainland Tactix have been long known as New Zealand’s weakest semi-pro netball franchise having never made the playoffs in their 11-year history.
But the Christchurch-based side are now on the brink of securing a spot in the ANZ Premiership elimination final after defeating the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic 62-60.
In the tightly contested clash at Hamilton’s Claudelands Arena on Monday night, the Tactix claimed their first Premiership victory over the Magic to overtake the thirdplaced Northern Mystics on the ladder and put themselves back in contention for the playoffs.
The wait is now on to see whether the Mystics can pull off a miracle win over the Central Pulse tonight. Should the northerners claim victory over the league leaders, the highly-contested finals spot will be decided by percentage and as things stand, the Mystics hold a 1.62 per cent advantage.
Meanwhile, injured Magic captain Casey Kopua will undoubtedly be disappointed with her side’s final standing at the bottom of the table after an injuryravaged campaign.
The Magic defence continued to waver without their influential skipper while leading Tactix duo Temalisi Fakahokotau and Jane Watson caused early problems for the Waikato shooters.
Working in unison to contain the accurate Lenize Potgieter, the defending duo limited the Magic’s opportunities. And with sharpshooter Ellie Bird in sublime form, the Tactix secured an early lead.
Providing plenty of speed and spark throughout the midcourt, Tactix centre Kimiora Poi ensured her side gained momentum, but it wasn’t enough to shake the resilient Magic with only a slim one-goal lead at halftime.
The Tactix struggled to decisively pull ahead on the scoreboard in the final quarters as the Magic clawed back to set the match at goal-for-goal play.
As the battle continued, on-court Magic captain Sam Sinclair was in the thick of the action for her side, while Poi and Charlotte Elley were equally effective in the middle for the Tactix.
And although the Magic put up a fight, the Tactix held their ground with grit and determination.
With a stunning run of goals from Bird in the final minutes of the clash, the Tactix secured victory in what was one of the most exhilarating matches of the season.
The elimination final will be hosted by the Southern Steel on August 8.