Netball: Mystics see momentum as the key

The Northern Mystics are back in the winner's circle but know momentum is key if they are to challenge for the title.

Fresh from three successive losses, the Mystics appreciated a return to their home court in Auckland, overwhelming the Canterbury Tactix 59-50 after an explosive first-quarter performance.

That lifted their season's return to three wins and three losses after they entered the game in sixth place in the 10-team ANZ Championship.

While the Mystics have already matched their winning record from last season, coach Te Aroha Keenan is still not entirely satisfied with her side's progress so far this year.

The Mystics provided some dazzling moments in their nine-goal win over the Tactix, but Keenan said too often they lacked finish.

"Though they think things are better, we still have to get better than that if we are going to be a threat in this competition. Teams are going to come in and really take it to us," she said.

Keenan said it was essential her side notched up a win in their next match-up against the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic to ensure they put their rough patch of early season form firmly behind them.

"We've got to take this game coming up as well. Every game is really important to us if we're to stay in the running."

The Queensland Firebirds pulled off a major upset in Brisbane yesterday, handing competition frontrunners the Melbourne Vixens their first loss of the season. The 22-goal loss was the Vixens' first defeat since June last year, and their biggest defeat in the club's history.

In tonight's round-six matches the Central Pulse meet the Southern Steel in Wellington, while the West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds will face off in the late game.