The penultimate round of the ANZ Premiership (ANZP) took place this weekend, live and on demand on NetballPass, Sky Sport and TVNZ, with Tactix and Mystics keeping their home Grand Final hopes alive.
Here is this week’s International Player Watch:
Pulse vs Stars
Pulse increased their chances of making the ANZP Finals with a 65 – 44 victory over Stars meaning they now sit 3rd in the table, two points above Steel.
Up and coming Silver Fern Amelia Walmsley continued to show why she is the top goal scorer in the league this season as she shot at 94%, adding 46 more goals to her now season tally of 407.
Pulses win was overshadowed by the injury of Parris Mason in the second quarter – everyone at World Netball wishes Mason a speedy recovery.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass, here. *
Mystics vs Steel
With the Finals push well and truly on, Mystics vs Steel promised to be a nail-biting clash and it did not disappoint.
For Mystics, a win was needed to keep their chances of hosting the Grand Final alive, whilst for Steel it was still all about chasing a spot in the Finals series.
The momentum changed throughout this game, with anything still possible in the final quarter.
It all came down to two vital Super Shots in the final minutes for Mystics, which Filda Vui stepped up under pressure and scored allowing her side to win 56-52.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass, here. *
Tactix vs Magic
Mystics weren’t the only ones with eyes on a home Grand Final, Tactix also still had this on their cards as they took on Magic in Round 9.
A strong first half from Tactix meant that with just 15 minutes remaining, they had a 51-44 lead, despite Magic winning the 3rd quarter.
Tactix’s defensive duo of Silver Ferns Karin Burger and Jane Watson were once again crucial, as they helped ensure Magic remained at arm’s length throughout the match.
Burger made three deflections, one interception and one turnover, whilst Watson contributed six deflections and one interception.
Tactix went on to win the match 68 – 57, meaning the home Grand Final remains on the line.
Mystics and Tactix will play each other in the final league round next week, with the winners earning the right to host the Grand Final.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass, here.*
With one round to go, it is all still to play in the ANZP, and you can catch up on all the games so far on NetballPass now, here. *
The final round will begin on Saturday 12th July.
To view all the fixtures, results, where to watch information and more visit our ANZP page here.
*Restrictions are in place – viewers in New Zealand should head to Sky Sports and TVNZ.