Despite a flying start by the SKYCITY Mystics, they were unable to stop the Southern Steel’s unbeaten run in the ANZ Premiership on Super Sunday in Invercargill. The hosts eventually came away with a 66-46 victory.

The visitors silenced the packed Stadium Southland crowd early on, as they went ahead 8-1 after just five minutes. It all started with a deflection from Sasha Corbin, who made a great impact at wing attack. It didn’t take long, however, for the league leaders to find their feet and find their shooters Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and Te Paea Selby-Rickit. The Steel clawed their way back to take a 16-12 lead into the quarter break.

Helene Wilson and Jenny-May Clarkson rung in the changes in the second quarter, with Storm Purvis entering the game at goal keep, Anna Harrison moving to goal defence, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson shifting to wing defence and Brooke Watt jumping into centre. It was a dominant second quarter by the Steel, who found their rhythm after the SKYCITY Mystics rattled them in the first spell. The Steel won the quarter 16-9 and led 32-21 at half time.

Elisapeta Toeava came into the game at wing attack in the second half and instantly her impact was felt. Toeava put the pressure on in defence and her fantastic vision enabled her to feed beautifully into Bailey Mes and Maria Tutaia. But despite the SKYCITY Mystics’ efforts, the Steel maintained their lead and continued to increase their lead.

A number of changes were made by both sides in the final quarter. The SKYCITY Mystics shifted around the defensive end and after a great stint at wing attack in the first half, Corbin returned to the court at centre for the final 15 minutes. Tera-Maria Amani came on at goal shoot with a few minutes left to play, in her second ANZ Premiership appearance. She had a great spell, shooting two from three. The SKYCITY Mystics continued to fight hard in the last quarter, but the Steel kept their foot on the throttle and were able to claim a 20-goal win. The SKYCITY Mystics will be able to take away small positives like restricting the Steel to 66 goals, their lowest score so far in the ANZ Premiership season.

See all match stats HERE from the ANZ Premiership website.

The SKYCITY Mystics are straight back to work today and are looking forward to playing back on their home court at The Trusts Arena on Wednesday night. They take on the Silvermoon Tactix this Wednesday (3^rd May) at 7:40pm.

Don’t forget, if you’re dreaming of a Summer getaway, our Match Day sponsors, Westgate Shopping Centre are giving you a chance to win a $5000 tropical getaway. All you have to do is come along to the game on Wednesday night against the Silvermoon Tactix dressed up in your best tropical gear. You’ll get a Westgate flag upon arrival. Wave your flag throughout the game and you may be selected to head down to the court at half time for a luau dance off!

Make sure you get your tickets HERE.