‘Sloppy’ Steel win

Defending champions the Southern Steel overcame a woeful start to see off the Mainland Tactix 64-56 in their ANZ Premiership netball clash at Horncastle Arena in Christchurch last night. The Steel, who had already sewn up second spot and a home elimination final in Invercargill against the Stars on May 29, failed to fire for the first quarter, trailing 22-9. But they didn’t panic and by halftime had cut the Tactix lead to just a goal at 30-29. The Steel outscored the Tactix 55-34 over the final three quarters after what captain Te Paea Selby-Rickit called a “sloppy” and “lazy” start from the champs. The Steel’s South African shooting star Lenize Potgieter, who converted 44 from 48, was named the match MVP. Goal attack Selby-Rickit shot at 95 percent while Ellie Bird and Kate Beveridge (both 80 percent) were the best of the home side.