MATCH PREVIEW (R7): MYSTICS V STEEL

TEAM NEWS:

This is shaping as a big match for the SKYCITY Mystics to see if they can back up after their giant-felling feats over a week ago. Maintaining momentum will be important for Anna Harrison’s side and they will be out to get a win over the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel having gone down to the southerners twice this season. Four goals was the difference when they last met in Round 3 but plenty has changed since then. Much could come down to the availability of goal attack Maria Folau who made an impact for the Mystics in Round 6 taking some of the heat of shooting partner Bailey Mes. Harrison wants her charges to match the intensity they showed in the win over Te Wānanga O Raukawa Pulse – something they held right to the final whistles. “I was so proud of the girls, we pushed through some tough pressure situations which we’ve been known to let go before,” she said. “I just hope we can keep building from that confidence.” It won’t be easy against a Steel side that knows how to win. They have dropped just two games this season and showed plenty of southern grit to come from behind and snatch victory over the Silvermoon Tactix last week.

WHO TO WATCH:

Bailey Mes (Mystics) – shot the perfect game when she last matched up against the Steel and her belief will have lifted even more after netting the match-winning goal over the Pulse last week.

Gina Crampton (Steel) versus Anna Harrison (Mystics) – it was a surprise match-up when Harrison was pitted against Crampton in Round 3, but the Mystics captain played her part in slowing down quick ball into the Steel shooting circle. A key area to watch.

Wendy Frew (Steel) – getting close to playing a full 60 minutes as she continues her comeback from injury. Another big game needed from the Steel captain against dynamic Mystics wing attack Elisapeta Toeava.