Netball: Mainland Tactix seal ANZ Premiership playoff spot after Northern Mystics lose to Central Pulse

Pulse shooter Aliyah Dunn takes a pass under pressue from Mystics captain Anna Harrison (right) and Phoenix Karaka (back). Photo / Photosport

Pulse 55
Mystics 48

The Northern Mystics have crashed out of the ANZ Premiership after being defeated by the Central Pulse 55-48 at Wellington's TSB Bank Arena.

The Mystics' disappointing loss not only saw the conclusion of their roller-coaster season but marked the end of captain Anna Harrison's stellar netball career, after the former Silver Fern announced her retirement last month.

Meanwhile, celebrations will be loud in the South with the Mainland Tactix securing their first playoff berth in their 11-year history. The Tactix, who finished up with 19 points on the ladder with seven wins from 15 games, will now face the Southern Steel in the elimination final next Wednesday at Invercargill's ILT Stadium Southland. The clash will determine which side will face the Pulse in the grand final on August 12.

Despite having already secured their spot and hosting rights for the Premiership grand final with little riding on a final fixture win, the Pulse took to the court determined to add another two points to their stunning haul.

As expected, Pulse coach Yvette McCausland-Durie opted for fresh legs and new combinations on court in a bid to rest her stellar starting seven.

After spending most of the season on the bench, Silver Ferns shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio made just her second start for the Wellington side alongside the accurate Aliyah Dunn.

Ekenasio found good connection with Dunn in and around the shooting circle while her experienced presence made for a settled Pulse attacking unit.

Star shooter Maria Folau was back in the shooting circle for the Mystics with her Silver Ferns counterpart Bailey Mes. Folau's presence made for a hefty task for Pulse captain Katrina Grant and fellow defender Sulu Fitzpatrick as the internationally renowned shooter kept the scoreline close for most of the opening quarter.

As Grant and Fitzpatrick's combination took full effect in the second period of the clash, Mes became increasingly hesitant under the hoop, sinking just three of five goals. But with Pulse midcourter Karin Burger making an abrupt exit from the court with a sprained ankle, the Mystics looked eager to capitalise on the absence of the home side's key player.

Harrison led her side from the front with plenty of 'Harrison Hoists' and innovative defensive tactics that kept the Pulse guessing, but the resilient skipper's outstanding form wasn't enough alone to see the Mystics catch up with the front-running home side.

The Mystics' low shooting percentage continued to let down their chances of a comeback in the final quarters. With midcourter Elisapeta Toeava struggling to find space from the circle edge as the Pulse defence tightened, it forced Folau to carry her side with plenty of long-range shots.

Although desperate to make back lost ground in their final shot at making the playoffs, the Pulse took full control in all areas across the court, closing out the clash to deliver their home crowd another exciting win.

The Mystics finish their season in fourth place on the Premiership ladder with 17 points from seven wins and eight losses.