MATCH PREVIEW (R7): STARS V TACTIX
TEAM NEWS:
Only one goal separated these two teams when they met in both Round 1 and Round 3, so expect plenty of passion when they clash for the third time this season. Three wins and bonus points are keeping the Silvermoon Tactix in the hunt but they will be desperate to return to the winners’ circle at the half-way mark. Captain Jane Watson was disappointed that her team found themselves in the unfamiliar position of being up at the fourth quarter mark, against the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, only to lose the match by one goal. “We didn’t look after our ball enough and those personal errors crept in,” she said. “We need to be consistent for a full 60 minutes and I believe we’ll get there.” Finding a 60-minute effort is also high priority for the Northern Stars who have now registered five bonus-point losses – two of those coming against the Tactix. Captain Grace Kara said it came down to the “one percenters and picking up the crumbs” but she was pleased with what they were putting out on court. Wing defence Fa’amu Ioane was a stand-out against the Waikato-BOP Magic last week while Maia Wilson continues to be the Stars shooting rock.
WHO TO WATCH:
Temalisi Fakahokotau (Tactix) – the Tactix goal keeper is an entertainment package all on her own. She is leading the league in rebounds, deflections and intercepts, but also tops the ladder for penalties.
Grace Kara (Stars) versus Charlotte Elley (Tactix) – veteran Grace Kara has been a driving force in the Stars forward line but faces a young Tactix defender who is making the most of her opportunities on court.
Anna Thompson (Stars) – could the former Tactix captain take on her old team-mates having been called into the Stars squad. She played her 150th league match last week when she got the start at centre against the Waikato-BOP Magic.