Northren Mystics extra time win over Southern Steel
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- 3 min read
A dominant performance in extra time too the Northern Mystics clinch a hard-fought 61-53 win while leap-frogging the Southern Steel into top spot on the table in Invercargill on Sunday.
After winning two quarters each with identical scores, the pair were left deadlocked at 52-all at the end of regular time, resulting in two three-minute halves of extra time.
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Using all their experience, the Mystics outclassed their opponents 9-1 in the deciding minutes, to claim the Georgina Memorial Trophy contested between the two sides, in celebration of the legendary coach who was a strong influence across both teams.
With the Mystics leading by two heading into the last quarter, the game was up for grabs. Both teams came back time and again to force the issue in a classic contest.
Playing their second straight week of extra time, it was a hard-luck story for the Steel, who in the end came up empty-handed after also missing out on a bonus point.
Without their inspirational captain Kimiora Poi, ruled out through injury, the southerners remained wholehearted and dogged competitors throughout despite an enforced reshuffle of their midcourt which included the introduction of Queenslander Jessie Laga’aia to centre for her first involvement on this side of the Tasman after playing a couple of games at the elite level for the Firebirds.
As they have done all season, the Mystics continued to test their deep well of resources by mixing and matching their options, resulting in Katie Te Ao getting the start at wing defence and captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson sliding across to goal defence.
Sokolich-Beatson, in tandem with Te Ao and Phoenix Karaka were prominent early on as the match got away at a frenetic pace. The Mystics back three gave their opponents new attack line no time to settle, relentless defence eventually cracking the Steel’s resolve.
While there were turnovers both ways, it was the Steel’s untried attack line that faltered. There were no such problems for the visitors, whose speed, flow and accuracy through court was a highlight.
Winning the possession helped the Mystics bolt out to a 16-9 lead at the first break.
Showcasing their variety on attack, through the exploits of Peta Toeava and Tayla Earle, the signs were ominous for the Steel when the Mystics scored the first three goals on the resumption.
However, slowly but surely and in true southern fashion, the Steel turned the tide. Employing a short, sharp attacking plan paid dividends for the home side while both ends of the court were anchored by genuine fortune-changers.
Easing the ball through court with simple passages of play, ever-reliable shooter Aliyah Dunn showed her court craft, netball smarts and accuracy to chip away at the deficit. At the other end, non-stop goalkeeper Carys Stythe provided the impetus with her ball-hunting abilities.
In the groove, the Steel slowly worked their way back, levelling up the scores with just seconds remaining of the half. In an extraordinary turnaround, the Steel mirrored the Mystics first quarter scoreline when the teams went to the main break all square at 25-25 with possession and shots at goal exactly the same across both teams.
In an increasingly physical contest, both teams continued at a frantic pace and fortunes ebbed and flowed. The Steel shot out to an early four-goal advantage to start the third stanza before being reeled in by the Mystics.
While Dunn remained an influential figure, the introduction of Charlotte Manley at goal defence for the Mystics helped shut down the scoring flow while the visitors, with Toeava driving the ship, adopted a more measured approach.
Filda Vui and Wilson showed great timing and positioning in the circle as the Mystics levelled up with two minutes to go. Stythe continued to add her imprint but it was a late Vui two-pointer that gave the Mystics a 40-38 lead at the last turn, leaving the game delicately poised.