The Final round of the ANZ Premiership (ANZP) took place this weekend with Mystics crowned Minor Premiers and Steel earning the rights to host the Elimination Final against Tactix, live on NetballPass*.
Here is this week’s International Player Watch:
Stars vs Pulse
Stars finished their season on a high as they beat Pulse 59 – 49 in the final round of the ANZP.
The two teams entered this match with nothing to play for but pride, with the three Finalists already confirmed.
Following a strong first quarter it was Stars that lead at every interval, eventually pulling away enough in the 3rd quarter to comfortably see out the game.
Stand out Stars included, young New Zealand Silver Fern Amelia Walmsley who shot at 100% scoring all 41 of her one-point shots, and centre Samon Nathan who contributed in all areas of the court, putting in 29 feeds and 20 goal assists as well as making three interceptions.
You can catch up on this game on NetballPass*, here.
Mystics vs Magic
Mystics dug deep to make it seven wins from seven; claiming the Minor Premiership and earning the right to host the ANZP Grand Final, as they beat Magic 53 – 42.
Despite this clash being top vs bottom, very little separated the two sides who both came into this match off the back of victories and keen to build on their winning momentum.
The two teams took a quarter each in the first half, with Mystics leading by just one at half time leaving it all still to play for.
In the end the experience of Mystics shone through, as they were able to extend their lead throughout the second half thanks to a standout performance from Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka who made five interceptions, eight deflections and claimed three rebounds.
Karaka now sits 2nd in the leagues rebounds charts and 3rd in the defection’s charts going into the Finals.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Steel vs Tactix
The final game of the round was between the two confirmed Elimination Final teams, Steel and Tactix – with the Elimination Final hosting rights up for grabs.
Both teams stepped up to the occasion as they battled it out, leaving it all on the court.
Nothing could separate the two sides, with Steel leading at the main break by one goal before Tactix made a third quarter comeback fuelled by a Laura Balmer intercept to turn the scoreline on its head and take a two-goal lead in the final quarter.
At the other end, Silver Fern Carys Stythe impressed for Steel with two intercepts and six deflections.
Steel were later rewarded for their non-stop defensive efforts as a series of late turnovers in the final five minute of the fourth quarter saw them pull ahead and win the game 56 – 54.
The two teams will now go head to head once again in the Elimination Final, before the winner plays Mystics in the Grand Final.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass* now to catch up on all the action ahead of the Elimination Final on Sunday 21st June.
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 TVNZ to watch the matches live and on demand.