Netball: Stars, Mystics put on show for Northlanders

SkyCity Mystics goal shoot Tera-Maria Arami looks to secure possession in their 56-43 win over the Northern Stars.

Northlanders got a taste of professional netball at ASB Stadium as the SkyCity Mystics took on the Northern Stars in a pre-season fixture.

Both sides were trying new combinations as they prepare for the start of the ANZ Championship in May, with the Mystics coming away with a 56-43 victory.

The likes of former and current Silver Ferns Bailey Mes and Anna Harrison were in action in the match.

The game had a slow start in front of a loud Whangarei crowd as the Mystics held a 12-7 lead at the end of the first quarter as neither side could find any rhythm.

The Stars, coached by Northlander Kiri Wills, found some form in the second quarter but unfortunately for them the Mystics did as well.

They scored 16 goals apiece in an exciting quarter of play, giving the Mystics a 28-23 lead heading into the halftime break.

With no points on the line, both sides tried a few different combinations they may not necessarily use during the ANZ Championship.

This took away from the rhythm of the match however there were plenty of exciting moments in the contest.

The Mystics started to pull away in the third quarter before a decisive final period saw them take out the match 56-43.

Wills said taking on the Stars coaching role is something she wanted and the warm-up match in Whangarei is a good start.

"It has been an ambition of mine to guide a team in the ANZ Premiership and it's exciting to do that with the newest one in the league," she said.

"I enjoyed watching New Zealand's best players go head-to-head each week and now it's my challenge to get the best out of the Northern Stars on a regular basis."