Semifinal chances remain, but it's late in the season for teams to start finding combinations, writes JULIE ASH
Magic v Sting
Hamilton, 12.30pm Sunday.
Magic coach Nicole Dryden is hoping for a little creativity and unpredictability from her side.
The Magic started the season with a hiss and a roar, beating the Diamonds, Rebels and Force. But in their last two games things haven't gone to plan.
After a narrow win over the Shakers they suffered their first loss last weekend, against the Flames.
The Sting have glided through the competition with ease. Their closest match so far has been a nine-goal win against the Flames.
The key for the Magic could be stifling Sting mid-courters Lesley Nicol and Adine Harper.
"We think we have got some more creativity on attack and I would like to see more of that, along with some unpredictability instead of just matching up and grinding it out," Dryden says.
"I don't think there is going to be any success in that."
Flyers v Flames
Taradale, 1pm Sunday.
The Flames were always expected to be one of the frontrunners, despite their dismal sixth placing last year.
And, so far, the Canterbury side have lived up to expectations, especially after last weekend's win over the Magic. The only blemish has been a loss to the Sting.
Against the Magic, Flames defenders Vilimaina Davu and Peta Stephens were effective in shutting down Irene van Dyk, centre Julie Seymour had one of her strongest games and shooters Jodi Te Huna and Belinda Colling landed 81 per cent of their attempts, despite a tight tussle with Joline Henry and Leana du Plooy.
You have to feel sorry for the Flyers, coming up against such a formidable line-up.
Still gunning for their first win, the Flyers did show some improvement last weekend against the Shakers, but aren't expected to be any match for the Flames.
Shakers v Diamonds
Wellington, 1pm Sunday.
The Diamonds can still make the semfinals, but must beat the Shakers and the Flames in their last two games to stay in contention.
The Aucklanders showed immense improvement last weekend against the Force and were unlucky not to win.
A similar gritty effort will be needed on Sunday. The Shakers seem to rise to the occasion when playing higher-ranked teams.
The Diamonds will have to keep their eye on Shakers shooter and New Zealand A team member Katie Ritchie, who has been impressive under the hoop in her past two games.
The Diamonds shooters can also expect a tight, physical tussle with Shakers defenders Megan Hutton, formerly of the Sting, and Cushla Litchwark.
Also of interest will be the likely mid-court battle between the Shakers' English import, Karen Aspinall, and Silver Fern Victoria Edward.
Force v Rebels
North Shore Events Centre, 1pm Sunday.
Edged out by the Sting in last year's final, the Force have looked anything but impressive this year.
Loaded with present and former Silver Ferns, the North Harbour side seem to be struggling to click.
"Against the Diamonds we got involved in the game rather than just sticking to our own game plan," Force coach Yvonne Willering says.
"We became hesitant in the mid-court, so that is an area we have to address.
"It's more about adjustments rather than big changes."
The young Rebels side have found the season tough and are second to last.
One area where they do rattle their opponents is on defence, with youthful and energetic defenders Anna Scarlett and Stephanie Bond.
Willering says the Rebels play a similar game to the Diamonds, so her side should be well prepared.
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