The depth in the Northern Mystics squad has been highlighted with an emphatic 13-goal win over the in-form Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse, returning the defending champions to second spot on the points table.

Bouncing back from their first loss of the ANZ Premiership season and missing two key players, the Mystics brought speed but also composure to their game to dominate for a 64- 51 win at TSB Arena in Wellington.

There were no surprises in the Pulse starting line – a team which last week put 25 goals on their opponent.

But the Mystics were forced to make changes at both ends of the court without Wallam and Rae, shifting Michaela Sokolich-Beatson into the defensive circle alongside Catherine Hall and rookie Sophia Lafaiali’i getting the nod at goal shooter.

Despite the personnel changes, the Mystics started with plenty of confidence, moving the ball with speed and building on an early 4-2 lead with a mixture of intent on attack and the hunger to snaffle any loose ball on defence.

With no tall target in the shooting circle, the Mystics opted for patience with their delivery into the shooting circle, working the ball with speed on attack and waiting for the space to open – Lafaiali’i showing sure hands and accuracy in her first ANZ Premiership start.

The Pulse took some time to find their groove on attack, but once the link to Amelia Walmsley strengthened, the hosts were quick to slash the deficit to 11-15 at the first break.

Superbly led by Captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, the Mystics picked up speed as the second quarter got underway, the Pulse struggling to find a way to slow them down and take control of the game.

Mystics wing attack Peta Toeava showed she is the leader up front with her direction and early links with Lafaiali’i – the battle between the dynamic middie and Pulse defender Fa’amu Ioane a scintillating watch.

As the Pulse stayed in touch of the Mystics they made a surprise move, bringing on Gabi Simpson in at Goal Defence for Parris Mason, in the hope of containing Filda Vui, who was commanding in the goal circle.

Four super shots – including a buzzer beater two-points from Lafaiali’i – from the Mystics put paid to any Pulse resurgence and it was the visitors who enjoyed a 36-24 halftime lead.

Mason rejoined the fray after the break and made an immediate impact with an intercept as the Pulse attempted to nullify the Mystics’ speed up front.

But the Mystics stuck to task, keeping the ball moving at speed and a full court defence that held up ball into the Pulse circle and often forcing them back to the line.

Playing the super shot period well was also a highlight of the Mystics game, landing the two points through Vui but also knowing when to opt for the single point.

With everything falling their way, through great hustle, the question was whether they could maintain their speed game with a 51-38 buffer heading into the last turn.

Finishing the match with the same starting seven, the Mystics kept their foot down in the final quarter. As Vui, Toeava and Earle wrapped around Lafaiali’i, she finished her first full ANZ Premiership match with an impressive 44/45, firmly announcing her arrival.

With this display on court the Mystics have silenced many critics as well as notching up a four-game winning streak over the Pulse, they have also put the rest of the competition on notice; the Mystics can bring the goods no matter who takes the court.