Netball: Mystics through to ANZ final

Anna Scarlett of the Mystics defends against Juliana Naoupu of the Magic. Photo / Getty Images

Northern Mystics 43
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic 42

The Northern Mystics' trans-Tasman netball league dream run continues, the Auckland team battling to a 43-42 win over Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in today's preliminary final at Hamilton's Mystery Creek.

The Mystics had an underwhelming first quarter, but piled on the pressure in the second to take a lead they never looked like relinquishing until the Magic almost pulled off an unlikely win in a pulsating final quarter.

But the Mystics kept their composure, holding on for the win and a berth in next week's final against the Queensland Firebirds.

Stifling midcourt defence from both teams meant good ball into the circle was at a premium, and it was the Mystics shooters who struggled the most as the first quarter progressed.

The normally free-shooting Cathrine Latu at goal shoot was restricted to just three shots on goal for the 15-minute spell, and while goal attack Maria Tutaia was also accurate with six from seven, the Magic were clinical in finishing off their turnover ball to lead 13-9 at the break.

The Magic's attack was helped in no small part by the return of Frances Solia at wing attack, who has struggled to return to full fitness after illness. Solia's combination with centre Laura Langman, and some real urgency and purpose in van Dyk's movement around the circle, saw the Magic flow through the midcourt.

The return of Peta Scholz from injury made a huge difference in the Magic's transition from defence to attack, providing more punch in the midcourt, while van Dyk put her sloppy performance from last week behind her with a vengeance.

Jess Tuki came on for Solia in the second quarter, Mystics circle defenders Anna Scarlett and Kayla Cullen closed down the options into van Dyk and Julianna Naoupu, and a four-goal lead evaporated with alarming rapidity.

A six-goal scoring spree, with Silver Ferns goal attack Tutaia outstanding on the long shot, saw the Mystics take the lead for the first time five minutes into the quarter.

The Magic fought back, but the Mystics weathered the storm and finished the spell strongly to take a useful 25-20 lead into the break. Captain and midcourt maestro Temepara George was everywhere, controlling the tempo to pace the Mystics perfectly to the win.

Jamilah Gupwell replaced Naoupu at goal attack at the break, and the Magic lifted to close the gap to three.

Circle defenders Casey Williams and Jodi Tod worked hard to shut down Tutaia and Latu to 10 goals from 11 attempts in the quarter, with Williams' timing on the shot spectacular. Van Dyk and first Gupwell then Naoupu - subbed back on with five minutes to go in the quarter - managed 12 from 14 in the same spell.

With the Mystics leading 35-32 at the three-quarter mark, Williams moved out to goal defence for the final stanza, promising youngster Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick filling in at goal keep.

The Magic had gone into the game with history on their side, having won seven of their eight trans-Tasman league encounters against the Auckland franchise. The Mystics had momentum - an impressive 49-44 over title contenders NSW Swifts last Sunday was in sharp contrast to the Magic's meek 39-50 capitulation to the unbeaten Queensland Firebirds the following day.

Magic coach Noeline Taurua and Mystics mentor Debbie Fuller had both adamant leading into today's final that the Magic would not repeat that performance, and they were indeed a different team.

Just not good enough to win.

Northern Mystics 43 (Cathrine Latu 15/17, Maria Tutaia 28/30) Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic 42 (Irene van Dyk 26/27, Julianna Naoupu 15/20, Jamilah Gupwell 1/3). Halftime: 25-20.

(Northern Mystics to play Queensland Firebirds in trans-Tasman netball league final).

- NZPA