Maia Wilson
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Stars have kept their hopes of a place in the ANZ Premiership netball finals alive with a 61-55 win over Magic in Auckland.
The Stars, on a high after their dramatic extended extra time win in the last round, continued their winning momentum while the Magic’s hopes of featuring in the Finals Series took a big hit when they were also denied a bonus point.
Earlier on Sunday the top of the table Mystics beat the Tactix 74-50 in Christchurch.
The Stars greater consistency won the day in a match they led from start to finish, a surging last quarter rally from the Magic proving too little too late.
The Stars enjoyed a greater share of the possession in the first half before it evened out in the second, the home side making the most of it through Maia Wilson, who had a captain’s day out under the hoop when converting 47 from 49.
Ahead of the match, both teams and the crowd observed a moment’s silence to honour the memory of netball stalwart Taini Jamison, who passed away on Friday. The first New Zealand coach to guide the Silver Ferns to a world title, in 1967, Jamison had life-long association with Rotorua and was an avid Magic supporter.
Meanwhile the Mystics were impressive in their win over the Tactix, who were without key defender Jane Watson.
In a comprehensive outing, the Mystics showcased their all-round ability to deliver a goal-scoring spree with their speed through court, defensive hustle and overall full-court mastery on full view.
With 78 shots on goal compared to the Tactix 58, the Mystics were an irresistible force, shooter Grace Nweke leading the way with an influential 64 goals from 66 attempts.
With three rounds remaining the Mystics have 27 points, the Pulse 24, Stars 23, Tactix 21, Magic 15 and Steel 3.
The top three sides make the play-offs.
On Monday night, the Tactix host the Pulse.
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