It’s been a long time coming but Tactix finally click

Mainland Tactix chairman Bridget Hearn was losing her voice on Monday night when her team secured a last gasp 62-58 win over the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, and it’s yet to return.

The victory that had eluded her team for the previous 13 rounds of the trans-Tasman netball league finally, and 21 matches over two seasons, arrived. It came as the Mainland side strung together a cohesive performance across the court and held their nerve for a narrow and much needed win.

Hearn said she ‘‘had always had faith’’ and noted turning around the team’s fortunes would always take time.

‘‘I’m incredibly thrilled to see that faith was rewarded last night and now it all bodes well for our vision and Sue’s [coach Sue Hawkins] strategy for next season too.’’

Hearn said that there was never a point in the season when she doubted the team would get a victory on the board.

‘‘It sounds silly but no, I never doubted it. We came close in a number of games and it was really our own errors that lost us the games,’’ she said.

‘‘I always had the faith that once we put together four quarters of really good consistent netball that the results would come.’’

Having invested in a core group of players, the Tactix must continue that work and develop confidence in their own performances.

Coach Hawkins previously said her team’s problems were mental, not knowing how to win, so avoiding the psychological hurdle of a winless season was a huge relief. ‘‘This is a formula that we know has been building so we need to now refine it and go from there.’’

The Australian also confirmed there would be discussions and assessments of all players to ensure they wouldn’t endure another lengthy run of losses. Hearn’s next move will be to have a look at Hawkins’ player wishlist and make a case for the team, which she said offered a number of opportunities for a newcomer.

‘‘Sue’s really shown that she will give people court time and that she will use the bench. So for players who are wanting to get court time and great coaching and be involved in a marvellous environment, the Tactix is the place for them.’’

Filling the gap left by defender Demelza Fellowes with a similar player is a must for Hearn. She said the Tactix had no doubt they belonged in the trans-Tasman league and invested in a long-term plan.

Meanwhile in last night’s final round-robin match in Auckland the Melbourne Vixens downed the Mystics 56-48. The Mystics were New Zealand’s top qualifier while the Vixens missed out on the Australian play-offs.