A top of the table clash saw the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix take down the unbeaten Northern Mystics 61-50 in Rangiora on Saturday, in an upset that pushed the local side to the top of the ANZ Premiership.
The Mainland Tactix proved the season’s top-spot is well and truly back up for grabs, with their clinical precision taking control of the match.
A vocal sold-out crowd witnessed 100% shooting success from Ellie Bird, while a notable step-up defensively, saw the Tactix outpace their opposition gaining eight intercepts and 14 deflections across the four quarters, showing the Tactix are growing week on week in the competition.
Veteran goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit provided a masterclass in goal circle support, successfully feeding 25 goal assists to Bird.
The Mystics were not going down without a fight, leading the first quarter 13-12, but were unable to maintain a lead with the home-side remaining clinical in their approach, slowing down the game and protecting possession.
Tactix newcomer Holly Mather proved invaluable at centre with consecutive intercepts helping change the course of the game in the second quarter.
The Mystics attempted to narrow the Tactix lead before the halftime break, with 75 seconds to go, landed back-to-back two-point shots, narrowing the score to 30-28.
The third quarter saw the Tactix extend their lead to seven points, finding success in feeding the ball to Bird for five consecutive goals.
The Tactix strategic player changes weren't to last, Martina Salmon and Paris Petera serving as effective temporary relief for Pedersen and Bird, who returned to the court for the fourth quarter.
Selby-Rickit’s only successful two-point shot in the final second of the match sealed the outcome, leaving the Tactix at the top of the ANZ Premiership leaderboard with 10 points.
