Making ANZ Premiership history, the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix have won a maiden title with a performance few were backing them to deliver.

With their motto of ‘find a way’ entrenched firmly in their game plan, the Tactix beat the defending champion Mystics 58-46 at The Trusts Arena in Auckland.

The Tactix flew out of the blocks to silence the home crowd and never looked back – marking the first time in 28 seasons of franchise netball in New Zealand with a title. It was this quarter that Mystics coach Tia Winikerei said set the tone for the match.

Few picked the Tactix to upset the Mystics, who had lost just one game this season and had the advantage of playing at home. They had also beaten the Tactix by 14 points just two weeks prior and were expected to win their third straight title.

But the Tactix had a different story written and stuck to their plan of aggressively attacking the ball before it got into the hands of Australian sharp shooter Donnell Wallam.

Pedersen marshalled the efforts on attack and the accuracy of Bird in the shooting circle ensured they held onto the lead they built in the first quarter.

The Mystics kept the Tactix thinking with numerous personnel changes, but the visitors were able to nullify everything they threw at them – composed until the very end as they made history with a well deserved first ANZ Premiership title.

There were no surprises in the line-ups for the last dance but plenty of match ups across the board including the battle between Wallam and Watson, and Catherine Hall and Bird, at the other end.

Wallam missed her first attempt at goal but her strong rebounding abilities put the home side on the scoreboard first and the two teams went goal-for-goal early on.

Strong hands were needed from the Australian as the pressure was immense from the opening whistles as both Watson and Burger contested every ball heading in their direction.

Burger made her presence felt in the first quarter and a turnover from the goal defence sparked the visitors as they dominated in all areas to race out to a 10-4 advantage midway through the spell.

Struggling to get ball into their shooting circle the last time the two teams met, the Tactix showed plenty of patience in working the ball into Ellie Bird who positioned herself well against Mystics defender Catherine Hall.

A timeout called by the Mystics allowed the hosts to settle into their game but there was no slowing the red-and-black juggernaut.

Tayla Earle earned a key turnover for her blue team, but the Tactix were quick to strike back as frustrations started to mount for the Mystics, the hosts trailing 8-17 at the first break.

It forced a change for the Mystics with Michaela Sokolich-Beatson moving from goal defence to the wing and Holly Rae coming into the defensive circle. The changes produced more pressured ball for the Tactix into their shooting circle, but they showed no fear in continually resetting before finding Bird.

At the other end, the Mystics were starting to find Wallam with more accuracy and with Filda Vui also coming into the game the hosts started to grow in confidence.

Hesitancy started to creep into the attacking play of the Tactix and with Peta Toeava starting to get the better of the red-and-blacks defence, the difference closed to seven.

But a Watson intercept was scored at the other end of the court to see the visitors holding a 31-22 lead at halftime.

Mystics coach Tia Winikerei went to her bench again on the resumption of play springing a surprise with Toeava moving to goal attack, Earle onto the wing and Katie Te Ao to centre.

It took some time for the Tactix defensive unit to adjust to the changes with Toeava moving the ball at speed around the circle.

Leading by example, an intercept from Tactix captain Erikana Pedersen lifted her team again as they extended the advantage to 12 points midway through the third quarter.

It prompted another change in the Mystics line, reverting the starting seven as they attempted to eat into the Tactix lead. The first super shot of the game, netted by Vui did just that and another late in the quarter saw the Mystics trail 36-47 heading into the deciding spell.

Injected into the match in the final quarter Charlotte Manley made her finals debut with some crucial tips but it just wasn’t enough to stop a Tactix side with their eyes firmly on the trophy.

Despite defeat, the stadium full of Mystics supporters showed their love for their team and the Mystics responded delivering their team haka in thanks. It was not the result they wanted, but for a team written off by most at the start of the year, it was a season to be proud of.