Netball: Northern Mystics suffer surprise defeat to Southern Steel in ANZ Premiership

Sulu Fitzpatrick of the Northern Mystics attempts to block a shot from Kalifa McCollin of the Southern Steel. Photo / Photosport

Steel 51
Mystics 47

The race to determine who will meet the Central Pulse* in the ANZ Premiership grand final has taken another twist, with the third-placed Northern Mystics suffering a shock 51-47 loss to the Southern Steel.

If the Mystics had won, they would have crept two points ahead of the Mainland Tactix on the ladder, having played the same amount of games, but they are now two points behind the second-placed Tactix, with the two teams meeting on Sunday to determine who will hold second position on the ladder going into the last round before the finals.

Coming off a superb 44-42 win over the previously undefeated Pulse, the Mystics had a poor start, losing the first quarter 17-8.

The Invercargill crowd had a lot to cheer about in the Steel's first home game of the season, with the home side leading from the opening whistle and showing great connections all over the court.

Kate Heffernan was busy on defence, picking up valuable ball in the midcourt before the Mystics could get close enough to feed star shooter Grace Nweke.

The Steel attackers were unflappable, with the connection between feeders Shannon Saunders and Gina Crampton and mid-season shooting addition Ellen Halpenny growing every game.

A 13-8 final quarter comeback from the Mystics avoided a blowout scoreline for the Northern side, who were down by 12 towards the end of the third quarter.

The powerful finish meant that the Mystics were rewarded with a bonus point, which could make a difference in determining the race for the final.

On the other hand, 2020 will be the first year that the Steel won't contest the final, and will need to claim at least another win against the top two teams - the Tactix and the Pulse, who they play tomorrow night in Invercargill - to make the third v fourth playoff match.

That race for fourth will most likely be against the Northern Stars, whose mathematical chances of making the final are now over.

* The Pulse aren't 100% confirmed yet to make the final, but they only need one more point, so let's be realistic.....