Match Preview (R13): Mystics v Tactix
TEAM NEWS:
The SKYCITY Mystics can cement their place in the inaugural ANZ Premiership Finals Series with a win over the Silvermoon Tactix.
It has been a big week for the two teams as they suit up for their third game within seven days and for the Tactix it will be their last opportunity to showcase their game before they hang up their dresses for the season.
Captain Anna Thompson was “gutted” with their loss against the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel and finishing their season strongly was certainly a driver for the team.
“Sixty minutes of good quality netball would be great,” she said.“We’ve got it in us but we’re too inconsistent.If we can put together a good solid game of 60 minutes then that would be good.”
The Mystics grabbed a confidence-boosting hard-fought win over the WBOP Magic to put them in the box seat for a finals berth and they can thank young goal defence Michaela Sokolich-Beatson for helping them get there.
She made key intercepts to push the Mystics ahead which delighted captain Anna Harrison.
“They’re her trademark intercepts and it was great to see four or five of them, it was ridiculous,” she said.“She made those crucial intercepts that really pulled us home.”
WHO TO WATCH:
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (Mystics) – proved to be a real game changer when the pressure went on against the Magic and is finding form with the Finals Series in sight.The NZU21 captain has formed a solid combination in the circle with Storm Purvis and captain Anna Harrison on the outside.
Erikana Pedersen (Tactix) versus Anna Harrison (Mystics) – Pedersen adds a calming presence for the Tactix up front and the mid-courter has a keen eye for her shooters.Whoever dons the wing attack bib faces a tough night if Harrison is asked to defend outside the circle.
Zoe Walker (Tactix) – one of the red-and-blacks most consistent performers this season and alongside Temalisi Fakahokotau has formed a strong defensive wall.The two players however are at the top of the table for penalties so will want to limit those against the Silver Fern shooting combination.
HOW TO WATCH:
NZ fans can tuned into SKY Sport 3 from 2pm. International fans (outside NZ) can catch all the action live on our ANZ Premiership Facebook page.