The Mystics and the Northern Stars will go head to head in a new Northern Netball challenge that was launched today.
The Barfoot and Thompson Northern Challenge was launched to give the two Auckland-based franchises the opportunity to settle their long-standing rivalry and foster competitiveness within the game.
Northern Netball CEO Nicole Spratt believed the challenge would add "spice" to the current competition and give the two teams something extra to play for.
"The players are looking forward to giving the fans something to yell and scream about on court, and to showcase the skill and agility of the sport that the women play today," Spratt said at the launch thismorning.
![The SKYCITY Mystics. Photo / Getty Images](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/TTNPPFXF2NHYNW3YZBY46P5UEU.jpg?auth=7fca0274ef9be796b9ba71146b7e152463d9a722da5292f7da9c4085bd0e3dab&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
"We know that there are many netball fans who give their support to the SKYCITY Mystics and the Northern Stars, while others have strong allegiance to the one team. This challenge will add a little spice to the competition for players and fans alike."