Netball: Mainland Tactix snap 400 day losing streak

Zoe Walker and Nicola Mackle of the Tactix celebrate the win at the final whistle. Photo / Photosport

The Mainland Tactix have snapped a 400 day losing streak, defeating the Northern Stars 46-43 in the ANZ Premiership.

The Tactix had lost 19 consecutive games, with coach Sue Hawkins departing in the midst of the slump, replaced by Marianne Delaney-Hoshek.

Since then, the Tactix had put in some better displays, but couldn't put four quarters together, sitting at 0-11 for the season.

That was until today, when an excellent shooting performance gave the Tactix a tight win over the Stars.

The Tactix shot at 86.7 per cent to claim the victory in Manukau, with Brooke Leaver (32/35) putting in a good display after being given an opportunity at goal shoot.

After falling into a 4-0 hole, the Tactix stepped up, especially in the second quarter when they built a 24-20 halftime lead. The Stars came back however, winning the third quarter 14-8, but the game looked close to over when the Tactix rebuilt their lead to 41-36 with seven minutes remaining.

Once again, the Stars battled back, levelling the scores with two and a half minutes remaining, but they never got another shot at goal as the Tactix came up with big turnovers to seal a rare victory.

The loss puts the Stars out of playoff contention, with the Northern Mystics, Central Pulse and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic set to fight for the remaining two places to join the Steel in the playoffs.

The Pulse play the Magic tomorrow night.