Taking to the court for the second time in five days, the Northern Mystics were unable to contain a fast and focussed VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix team, losing 61-50 in Rangiora on Saturday.

A new look starting 7 took to the court for the Mystics, with GS Donnell Wallam ruled out with injury and captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson starting off the bench.

It was a mixed start from each side with both sets of defences playing prominent roles in providing turnover opportunities before the Tactix got their noses in front.

Playmaking goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit provided clever passing options in getting the ball into Bird’s hand for the Tactix while the Mystics required more patience in settling into a new attacking front line.

Long-range shooting specialist Vui nailed a crucial super shot to haul the Mystics back to level teams before nudging in front and taking a slim 13-12 lead into the first break and winning their first opening quarter of 2025.

The home side lifted their defensive intensity a notch or two on the resumption with experienced duo Burger and Watson restricting the Mystics ball into the shooters.

As the Tactix pushed out to a six-goal lead, the Mystics introduced Marvels National Netball League player Sophia Lafaiali’i, Mystics Player # 90, who made an impressive ANZ Premiership debut at goal shoot, followed shortly by captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson from the bench to marshal her troops.

With no need to take super shots, Bird kept the Tactix scoreboard ticking over under the hoop, but Vui and Lafaiali’i helped the Mystics reduce the deficit with one apiece to bring them right back into the frame, the home side taking a 30-28 lead into the main break.

The Tactix made the best start to open the third stanza scoring a quickfire five goals unanswered goals to build a handy seven-goal buffer while the relentless Watson and Burger combination, assisted by gritty wing defence Paris Lokotui, suffocated the Mystics, drawing errors on attack.

Adding extra height, Charlotte Manley was injected at goalkeeper for the Mystics, making an immediate impact and leading a spirited surge late in the quarter with non-stop midcourter Peta Toeava in the thick of the Mystics progress on attack.

Another Vui super shot drew the Mystics back into contention but with the Tactix able to keep their supply into Bird – who nailed an impressive 37 from 37 during the first three-quarters – it was the home side who kept their noses in front when leading 43- 39 at the last turn.

Coming into the final quarter with a four-goal lead, the Tactix tightened the screws, efficiency with ball in hand and the ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over found the Mystics low on options.

A Te Paea Selby-Rickit super shot, the Tactix only success from range during the match, putting a definitive stake in ground of the home side’s dominance. While opposing shooter Filda Vui was successful with six super shots, the Mystics were outplayed on the day.

The result elevated the Tactix to the top of the ANZ Premiership table, one point in front of the Mystics.