A dominant spell of extra time helped the GoSweetSpot Mystics clinch a hard-fought 61-53 win in Invercargill on Sunday, leap-frogging the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel into top spot on the table.

After winning two quarters each with identical scores, the pair were left deadlocked at 52-all at the final whistle, resulting in two three-minute halves of extra time.

With their inspirational captain Kimiora Poi ruled out through injury, the southerners remained dogged competitors throughout despite an enforced reshuffle of their midcourt, which included the introduction of Queenslander Jessie Laga’aia for her first taste of ANZ Premiership netball having previously played a couple of games for the Firebirds.

As they have done all season, the Mystics continued to test their deep well of resources by mixing and matching their options, Katie Te Ao getting the start at wing defence and captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson sliding across to goal defence.

The Mystics back three of Sokolich-Beatson, Te Ao and Phoenix Karaka were prominent early as the match got away at a frenetic pace. Not allowing the Steel’s new attack line time to settle, oppressive and relentless defence eventually cracking the Steel’s resolve.

While there were turnovers both ways, it was the Steel’s untried attack line that faltered. There were no such problems for the visitors, whose speed, flow and accuracy through court was a highlight.

Winning possession helped the Mystics bolt out to a 16-9 lead at the first break. Showcasing their variety on attack, through the exploits of Peta Toeava and Tayla Earle, the signs were ominous for the Steel when the Mystics scored the first three goals on the resumption.

However, in true southern fashion, the Steel turned the tide. Employing a short, sharp attacking plan the home side began to claw back the deficit.

Easing the ball through court with simple passages of play, ever-reliable shooter Aliyah Dunn showed her court craft and accuracy to chip away at the deficit. At the other end goalkeeper Carys Stythe provided the impetus with her ball-hunting abilities.

Finding their flow, the Steel slowly worked their way back, levelling up the scores with just seconds remaining in the half. In an extraordinary turnaround, the Steel mirrored the Mystics first quarter scoreline as the teams went to the main break all square at 25-25, enjoying equal possession and shots at goal.

In an increasingly physical contest, both teams continued to play at pace as the game ebbed and flowed. The Steel shot out to an early four-goal advantage to start the third stanza before being reeled in by the Mystics.

While Dunn remained an influential figure, the introduction of Charlotte Manley at goal defence for the Mystics helped shut down the scoring flow. With Toeava driving the ship, the Mystics adopted a more measured approach and kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Filda Vui and Wilson showed great timing and positioning in the circle as the Mystics levelled up with two minutes to go. Stythe continued with her stifling pressure, but it was a late Vui two-pointer that gave the Mystics a 40-38 lead at the last turn, leaving the game delicately poised.

With the Mystics leading by two heading into the last quarter and little separating these sides, the game was up for grabs. Four points down with 90 seconds on the clock, a well timed 2 point shot from Dunn began the Steel fightback, who managed to level the score on the buzzer.

Into extra time the Mystics were unstoppable with their speed through court and hunger for the win, slowly silencing the Invercargill faithful.

Playing their second straight week of extra time, it was a hard-luck story for the Steel, who in the end came up empty-handed after also missing out on a bonus point.

Using all their experience, the Mystics outclassed their opponents 9-1 in the deciding minutes, to claim the Georgina Salter Memorial Trophy and edge into first place on the Premiership ladder.