Commentator’s Call: On the road again

The round so many have been waiting for, starts a night early and makes a one and only ANZ Premiership appearance in Christchurch for 2020, as Sky Sport commentator Jenny Woods writes.

After six rounds of competition at the Auckland Netball Centre, the teams are spreading their wings around the country – except for the Stars and the Steel who are back for one last time.

The most emotional return will be at Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena tonight (Thursday) for the Tactix’ clash with the Stars.

Thursday night’s game is critical to the title chances of both sides, but particularly so for the Tactix who look to be in a drag race with the Mystics, for the second Grand Final spot.

The Pulse are in clear air, unbeaten at the top of the ladder, with the Mystics 15 points adrift, and the Tactix one further point back.

Each team has one more game against the Pulse, but it’s the third and final clash with each other that’s shaping up to be something of a semi-final.

That game is in Auckland in Round 9, with the ledger 1-all after the first two games. The momentum though appears to be with the Tactix, who aside from that 1-goal loss to the Pulse, haven’t lost since Round 4.

The Steel is again looking for a shooter, and you’d suggest whoever puts up their hand should receive danger money.

Georgia Heffernan and Jen O’Connell have already seen their seasons end, and now import Kalifa McCollin has sprained her ankle. Ellen Halpenny has been a terrific pick up for the southern side, but it’s unlikely there are many of her ilk lying around, fit and available.

The Steel play the Stars on Saturday, before Sunday’s double-header with the Magic hosting the Tactix in Hamilton, and the Pulse at home to the Mystics.

Round 8 ends on Monday night again at Claudelands Arena with the Steel sliding down State Highway 1.