Tactix make history despite defeat
Having never made a Finals Series, the Silvermoon Tactix took on the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in Wednesday night’s Elimination Final in Invercargill.
The Deep South is a fortress for any visiting team, but this match was especially difficult being legend Wendy Frew’s last home game before hanging up her bib at the end of the season.
Nonetheless, the Tactix were able to hold composure and even though losing 49 - 53, bought an amazing fight and grit to the match.
Erikana Pedersen, a real stand out in the Tactix side this season, reflected post-match, “we were up by five at one point, and it’s just a bit gutting that we let that go but I’m really proud that we didn’t let it blow out, only losing by four and that’s a really big step for us.
“This was probably the most tiring game I’ve played this whole season!”
The Tactix, had a stand out 2018 ANZ Premiership season. Having beaten the season’s highest performing team, Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse in the last round of Round Robin, the Tactix clearly demonstrated skill, strategy and most importantly, determination.
“Pulse was the team to beat this season and having done that in our last game gave us a lot of confidence going into the Finals Series,” Pedersen said.
The Elimination Final certainly highlighted the team’s capabilities and drive for success.
Starting strong, the Tactix worked the ball at both ends of the court. Though losing the first quarter, the red and black side wanted that spot in the Grand Final and were able to win the second and third quarters.
Unfortunately, the Tactix weren’t able to follow through in the final stanza. With 60 seconds left on the clock, everyone in the stadium rose to their feet, clapping, cheering and praising the Southern Steel.
As the buzzer hit full time, the Southern Steel were able to honour their captain with a 53-49 win.
The Tactix, though not making that Grand Final spot, were commemorated by a fantastic performance.
“We’ve come such a long way… it’s really cool and hopefully, we can continue this next year,” Pedersen said.