Mystics 51 Fever 67 The Northern Mystics did not pose much of a challenge for the West Coast Fever in the ANZ Championship's first Challenge Trophy battle.
The Auckland side were the first team to take on the inaugural holders of the new trophy, which has been designed loosely around provincialrugby's Ranfurly Shield concept, in Perth this afternoon. But aside from a strong opening quarter, the Mystics never threatened to sneak away with the Fever's new silverware, as, in what has become an all too-familiar scenario for Kiwi teams across the Tasman, the Auckland side were easily unravelled by the home side.
Led by a dominant display in the shooting circle from Australian international Caitlin Bassett, the Fever were on track to record a 20-goal plus demolition as they headed into the final quarter with a commanding 53-35 win. But, once the game had long slipped from their grasp, the Mystics turned in a more composed performance to in the final quarter to win the period 16-14.
While most New Zealand teams tend to struggle on attack when they cross the Tasman, it was the Mystics defence that let them down the most today. A lack of defensive intensity from the Mystics allowed the Fever to make easy progress through the court, leaving the circle defenders powerless to stop the ball being fired in at will to Bassett. The 1.93m shooter shot a game-high 51 goals - matching the Mystics entire tally for the game.
Unhappy with the defensive efforts of her side, coach Debbie Fuller benched her entire defence end mid-way through the third period, with Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick and Katharine Coffin replacing Temalisi Fakahokotau and Kayla Cullen in the circle, while Laura Langman moved back to wing defence in place of English import Serena Guthrie, and Nadia Loveday making an appearance at centre.
The new line-up could do little to halt the Fever rampage however, with momentum firmly with the homeside.
After a chance to watch the Fever attack line from the bench, Fakahokotau and Guthrie were reintroduced for the final quarter, during which the Mystics showed glimpses of greatness - including a stunning Maria Tutaia lay-up - albeit far too late.
The more polished finish to the game should at least give the Mystics a small boost heading into another tough Aussie assignment next week. The Auckland side take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds at home next week in their third straight match on the road.
The Thunderbirds are still searching for their first win this year after being downed by the defending champion Melbourne Vixens 48-39 in today's early game.
In the weekend's other match, a hungry defensive effort helped the Southern Steel to their first points of the season, recording a 68-54 win over the Mainland Tactix, as some of their younger stars led the charge for the two key competition points.
