Match Preview (R11): Steel v Mystics
TEAM NEWS:
Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel captain Wendy Frew is proving a hard task-master as the business end of the ANZ Premiership draws near.
Despite winning their 11th straight game she was disappointed with their efforts in the second half against the Northern Stars last week, admitting they were “outplayed”.
“They changed their game plan and we didn’t really adapt that well – that’s something we’ll look at,” she said.
It was the Mystics who were outplayed in the second and third quarters when they last met the Steel in Invercargill – setting the southerners up for a commanding 20-goal victory.
But the rollercoaster ride for Mystics fans took an up-turn last week when their side produced some of their best Netball of the season against Te Wananga o Raukawa Pulse.
Whether they can maintain that intensity for two consecutive weeks could determine if they can nudge their way into second place and the chance to host the Elimination Final on June 25.
“I’m incredibly proud of the girls,” co-captain Anna Harrison said of their win over the Pulse.“We knew it was going to be a really tough battle and we just kept battling it out time and time again.”
WHO TO WATCH:
Wendy Frew (Steel) – the Steel captain continues to lead by example from the wing.Is not only known for her defensive pressure but plays a key role in bringing the ball through court for her team.She faces a good match-up with Elisapeta Toeava.
Anna Harrison (Mystics) versus Jhaniele Fowler-Reid (Steel) – it is the obvious match-up to note but one that never fails to deliver.Harrison was effective last time they met when she attacked the ball and walked away with six deflections and a couple of intercepts.
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (Mystics) – newly named captain of the NZU21 team to play at NWYC2017, she had an outstanding game in the goal defence bib last week picking up five deflections and three intercepts.
HOW TO WATCH:
NZ-based fans can tune into SKY Sport 3 to catch all the action live from 7.30pm. International fans (outside NZ) can watch all the action live on the ANZ Premiership Facebook page.