Tactix set sights on home Grand Final

VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix have protected their unbeaten run at home while also gaining the opportunity to host the Grand Final after outplaying AVIS Magic 68-57 in Christchurch on Monday.

The Tactix will meet the Northern Mystics in next week’s last round of the regular season with the winer earning the right to host the Grand Final.

After a relatively even opening quarter, a storming second quarter, which they won 22-12, set the Tactix up to reap the benefits. The Magic rallied strongly in the third spell to muster a brief challenge but the margin proved too daunting.

The experienced heads in the Tactix side of Ellie Bird, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Erikana Pedersen, Karin Burger and Jane Watson ensured there would be no slip-ups, the team able to lift the energy levels when needed.

Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio did her best to steal the show with a masterful six from eight super shots but in reality the visitors were left with too much work to bridge the gap following a poor second quarter.

Reflecting the situation, both sides made nervy starts with a series of turnovers before settling into their work.

The Magic’s defensive quartet did an excellent job of slowing the Tactix attacking momentum to gain the early jump. Employing a more patient approach, the home side quickly found themselves back on level terms and happy to take their time and as many passes as needed.

At the other end, the crack defensive pairing of Burger and Watson helped the Tactix get on the front foot when they took a 15-12 lead into the first break.

It was a clinical and momentum-swinging second stanza for the Tactix who were out of the blocks quickly to take a stranglehold on proceedings.

Starting with a 9-3 run, the home side executed a seamless flow on attack, delivering the ball with ease into the safe and accurate hands of Bird, who nailed 31 from 33 for the half. She had the perfect ally in her experienced side-kick Te Paea Selby-Rickit, with her deft off-loads and ability to set up the circle.

The pressure dropped away from the Magic, who could do little right and the few wins they did get were often negated when followed by basic errors. Inability to treasure the ball let the side down on numerous occasions.

Wing defence Georgie Edgecombe was a wholehearted performer for the visitors but with Burger and Watson at their menacing best, the Tactix powered away to a handsome 37-24 advantage at the main break.

With line-ups remaining unchanged, it was the Magic who made a strong response during the third stanza.

The experienced duo of Ekenasio and Claire O’Brien led the charge on attack, both directed play expertly while delivering quality feeds into the circle. With the return of their flow and impetus, the visitors gradually chipped into the 13-goal deficit.

The improved timing and general play from the Magic prompted a tactical timeout out from the home side which had the desired effect as the Tactix restored their overall advantage on the scoreboard.

However, the Magic went on the have the final say with the elegance of Ekenasio’s shooting style adding a bit of gloss when converting the last two scores with super shots to narrow the margin.

It helped draw the Magic back in to the contest and left the Tactix looking to protect a handy 51-44 lead when the pair headed into the last break.