The GoSweetSpot Mystics cemented their spot in the top three after claiming a 58-47 win in a dogged contest against Te Wānanga o Raukawa Central Pulse to close out Round 7 in Auckland on Sunday.

In a match that provided plenty of thrills and spills, the Pulse came back time and again to keep the Mystics on their toes. But the home side were always able to find the necessary response to keep their noses in front as their season continues to gather momentum.

With Catherine Hall ruled out for the rest of the domestic season with a foot injury, Charlotte Manley got the start at goal defence alongside Phoenix Karaka in an otherwise settled line-up.

For the struggling Pulse, Khiarna Williams celebrated her long road back to full fitness by getting her first start of this campaign, at goal shoot, after several strong cameo performances in previous matches.

From the outset the Mystics had faster and slicker ball into their shooting circle while at the other end of the court the Pulse had to show patience as they were put under pressure by the menacing duo of Manley and Karaka.

Still the Pulse stuck to task, patient and measured, recovering from a jittery patch to stay in the fight. Late turnovers at their defensive end helped the visitors stay within touching distance but the mercurial skills of midcourt dynamo Peta Toeava ensured the Mystics headed to the first break with a 14-11 lead.

The battle resumed in the second with the Pulse managing to get a one goal lead before the Mystics resumed control, Karaka’s impressive defensive squeeze coupled with the balance, vision and speed from Toeava easing the home side into a momentum shift of control.

Shooter Sophia Lafaiali’I took over from Maia Wilson under the hoop for the home side where she slotted in seamlessly with the impressive Filda Vui.

Under relentless pressure, the Pulse shooters Williams and Ameliaranne Ekenasio worked effectively to keep their side in the hunt, but being denied the same volume as their opposites meant it was the Mystics edging to a 29-25 lead at the main break.

The third stanza got off to a hectic start with a flurry of intercepts and turnovers, the trend continuing for the rest of an even quarter as the teams battled mightily for possession in a torrid midcourt battle.

Captain and Bendon Mystics Player of the Match, Michalea Sokolich-Beatson powered through the midcourt, disrupting play and strong in attack for the Mystics, picking up turnovers and slowing the flow of ball for the Pulse.

The Pulse back three of Comyns, Mason and Puleiata provided some inspiration with well- taken turnover opportunities, the quarter finishing in a competitive 11-all stalemate and the Mystics holding onto their four-goal buffer when leading 40-36 at the last turn.

Despite a strong challenge from the Pulse, who turned on one of their best performances of a disappointing season, the Mystics played cohesively as one, seamlessly making changes while maintaining intensity and tempo, both teams thrilling Trusts Arena with a very physical match, and some dazzling skills from crowd favourite Toeava.

Needing two-point shots in the closing minutes didn’t pay off for the Pulse, giving the Mystics added opportunities to stretch the scoreline. Filda Vui put up the Mystics only two point shot in the dying seconds, pushing the final score out to an 11 goal win, 58-47.