Netball: Tactix keep exceeding expectations, while Stars fall short of them

The Tactix have consolidated their position at the top of netball's ANZ Premiership ladder by beating the Stars 52-47 at Pulman Arena in Auckland.

The Stars have now lost three games in a row to sit fourth on the ladder, with their finals aspirations taking a dent.

The Stars collected an important bonus point, to be two points behind the third placed Mystics, with three games to play.

With just one loss this season, the Tactix are still sitting pretty at the top of the ladder, just ahead of the Southern Steel.

The Tactix success has gone against all pre-season predictions, given that the defending champions lost seven players in the off-season.

The injury depleted Stars, who recruited heavily in the off-season, led by one after the first quarter before the Tactix took the second period by seven for a 29-23 half-time lead.

The Stars were missing their captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, who told TVNZ that she is managing inflammation of the knee.

Former Silver Fern Gina Crampton, who returned to the ANZ Premiership last round as injury cover for the Tactix, was given the start at wing attack today.

Crampton is helping the Tactix, while captain Erikana Pedersen rehabilitates from a shoulder injury. Pedersen told TVNZ she hopes to make a return by the end of the season.

Samon Nathan looked composed in the centre bib for the Stars, slotting in for Reuelu-Buchanan. Teuila Sotutu got her ANZ Premiership debut, injecting some classy touches in a midcourt cameo for the home side.

For the second time this season Stars assistant coach Leana de Bruin was utilised. The 48-year-old played two quarters at goal keep, with Kate Burley and Aimee Landrigan spending a few minutes on the bench.

Earlier this month the Stars signed experienced Australian defender Kate Walsh as an injury replacement for Lili Tokaduadua, who was ruled out of the rest of the season with injury. But Walsh was not named in Saturday's team line-up.

The Stars won the third quarter to trail the visitors by four goals but the damage done in the second quarter proved too much.

Tactix centre Holly Mather continued her impressive season with a master class on both attack and defence.

The Tactix defensive trio of Fa'amu Muliaga, Laura Balmer, and Ash Barnett were relentless again.

Silver Fern shooter Amelia Walmsley scored 33 goals for the Stars. Tactix shooter Charlie Bell put up 37, and Amorangi Malesala at goal attack put in another big shift with 15.

Steel survive major scare from gallant Magic

Earlier, the Southern Steel survived a major scare, needing extra time to beat the winless Magic 56-53 in Dunedin.

The Magic were coming off a 21-goal loss to the Tactix last weekend - the biggest loss by any team this season. In contrast, the Steel were on a five match winning run.

But a determined Magic started strong to win just their third quarter of the season, when they took a two goal lead after the first 15 minutes.

The Magic forced the Steel into uncharacteristic mistakes and the Southerners' attacking end wasn't as slick as it has been, with goal attack Georgia Heffernan tentative to start with.

The Steel won the next quarter to lead 28-26 at half-time, but it was tight throughout with neither team able to pull away.

Magic goal shoot Saviour Tui was solid and well supported by first year ANZ Premiership player Sarah Guiney, who wore the goal attack bib for most of the match.

Tied 51-all at the end of regular time, the game went into six minutes of extra time. With the same starting seven playing out the entire match, the Steel were finally able to break away.

Steel shooter Aliyah Dunn shot 46 goals at 100 percent accuracy, while Steel defender Carys Stythe was at her menacing best with four intercepts and eight deflections.

The Magic picked up their first point of the season, having finished within five of the Steel.

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