Steel win South Island netball battle over Tactix
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The Southern Steel have secured a home Elimination Final in the ANZ Premiership after a 56-54 win over neighbours the Tactix in Invercargill on Sunday.
Already confirmed as the pair to meet in the Elimination Final, this result means the Steel will retain their home advantage at Invercargill. It reversed their 13-goal loss to the Tactix in Round 1 while also breaking an 11-game losing streak to their southern rivals.
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The southern derby lived up to expectations with the contest sitting in the balance from start to finish. Coming into the final quarter trailing by two, the Steel demonstrated their renowned grit, getting their noses back in front with under five minutes to go.
In an epic clash, it was late turnovers that cost the Tactix, who provided plenty in an outstanding contest. The connection and accuracy between shooters Aliyah Dunn and Georgia Heffernan were key for the Steel alongside a non-stop defensive effort.
It was much the same for the Tactix, with shooter Charlie Bell delivering a perfect 45 from 45 while the defensive end provided a wholehearted 60-minute effort. Ball retention proved crucial in the final outcome.
Befitting the context of the game, the expected arm-wrestling was evident from the first whistle as an intense, dogged and physical game played out. Early on the game was dictated by the defensive ends, both sides providing plenty of hustle to pick up the scraps.
With Bell slotting all opportunities coming her way, the Tactix forged a handy four-goal lead before the Steel came storming back. Long clearing passes put the home side in prime position with a run of late goals,
Dunn continued her strong season in helping the Steel level up. A buzzer-time shot from the influential scorer giving the home side a narrow 15-14 lead at the first break.
The tightest of contests resumed on the resumption, both sides absorbing intense pressure while keeping everyone on the edge of their seats in the sold-out stadium. The Tactix required more time to work their way towards goal but hanging tough while the Steel enjoyed more flow.
Former Silver Ferns captain Gina Crampton showed strong vision into Bell while at the other end, Heffernan provided key back-up for Dunn with her positioning and play-making skills.
Steel defenders Renee Savai’inaea and Carys Stythe were a menacing presence but well-matched at the opposite end of the court by Laura Balmer and Ash Barnett.
The Steel tried to gain some energy through interim injury replacement Queenslander Jessie Laga’aia in at centre for a fresh perspective. But the impasse continued, the combatants slugging out a stalemate through a drawn second quarter to leave the Steel with their one-goal margin when leading 29-28 at the main break.
With no lessening of intent as the defensive pressure lifted another notch, the third stanza was highlighted by multiple phases of play with the ball swinging from one end of the court to the other without reward. Both sides picked up numerous intercepts and deflections but failed to fully capitalise.
The Steel pushed out to a three-goal buffer, looking to nail a small advantage as the teams went goal-for goal but a Balmer intercept late in the piece handed the impetus to the visitors. Levelling up with five minutes to go, it was just what the Tactix needed and enough to give them a sniff.
With Bell in commanding form under the Tactix hoop, it was the visitors who enjoyed the slightest of edges through the third quarter, making the last turn with their noses in front when leading 41-39.