Mystics Men win series with powerful finish over Stars Men
With one game in hand, the Mystics men have won the Te Taonga Manu Taki trophy in the annual series against the Stars men.
A strong final quarter saw the Mystics win the match 51-37, and retain the trophy and series title.
The Mystics take a 2-0 lead with one match to go, after taking the final quarter 16-6 with a strong showing throughout the court.
Newcomer Nathan Wilson was a standout at goal shoot for the Mystics Men, despite his newness to the team, finishing with 25 goals from 27 attempts.
Wilson was subbed on for Mikaira Raerino in the first quarter, and showcased a similar style of play. The 2.05m Wilson had recently returned from the US on a basketball scholarship, and showed his athleticism immediately.
No stranger to a lay-up, Wilson's long limbs and height were an asset to the Mystics Men, sitting at 10 goals from 10 attempts at half-time. Able to palm the ball with one hand, his basketball background was a strength to evade defenders and slot the ball through the hoop.
The battle between the northern sides was tight for the first three quarters of the match, the Mystics Men often having a slight lead but never comfortable. They led by four goals with one quarter left, thanks to a two-point shot on the buzzer from newcomer Soane Veatupu.
Whenever the Stars looked like they might be out of the match, the team's never give up attitude clawed them back into the game, even winning the third quarter before struggling in the final 15, and losing touch.
After winning the first match up 51-47, the Mystics stuck with what worked for them in the first game, only making one change to their starting seven.
In contrast, the Stars had a completely new starting line-up - with experienced players shifting and new players making their mark.
The fourth year of the Te Taonga Manu Taki competition continued to showcase the unique brand of men's netball, with impressive physicality shown throughout the court.
Stars shooter Maru Delamere was a standout with his crafty style of play under the hoop, sometimes tricking defenders to clear space. Often under the pressure of a double jump from the Mystics defenders, Delamere took the bulk of the shots for the Stars, finishing with 28 successful attempts.
The Summerset Super Shot took more of a backseat this match, as both teams opted for safer shots under the net. The Mystics only scored two super shots, and the Stars four - but with their 13 attempts, it was a risky strategy.
Ocean Grady continued his fine form on defence for the Mystics men, playing at goal defence and disrupting shots, gaining rebounds and showing his leadership.
The Mystics weren't afraid to make changes, and will look to continue developing connections in the final match of the series next Sunday.