Netball: Mystics win but still struggling to close out games

Northern Mystics goal shoot Cathrine Latu. Photo / Nick Reed

Mystics 61
Tactix 53
The Northern Mystics have extended out their lead at the top of the New Zealand conference ladder, but it is their ability to build on a lead during matches that is cause for concern.

After back-to-back losses against Australian sides the Mystics got some much-needed points before their round 11 bye with an eight-goal win over the Tactix in Auckland tonight. But the team's chronic inconsistency remains the main work-on for the team, after the homeside failed to kick on from a healthy 31-23 lead at halftime.

The Tactix, lead by some superb shooting from import Mwai Kumwenda, who slotted 40 of her 43 attempts, gave the Mystics a real scare as they closed to within three goals early in the fourth period. But the homeside managed to pull away again late in the period after securing a couple of key turnovers.

Import midcourter Serena Guthrie was particularly influential down the home stretch after yet another stand-out game at wing defence.

"Obviously we're happy with the win, but we are looking to play finals so we will need to iron out some of those lapses in our bye week," said Guthrie.

"I think that's one thing we need to look at - when we get in the lead how we much sure we keep pushing on and stay in control of things."

Mystics coach Debbie Fuller opted for an interesting change to her midcourt line-up for tonight's match, with Laura Langman starting at wing attack, making way for Nadia Loveday at centre. The first centre pass did not go to plan, with a miscommunication between Loveday and Langman resulting in the ball sailing straight over the sideline.

That was the first of eight turnovers from the Mystics in a messy start to the match on attack. Having gifted the Tactix so much ball, the homeside were lucky to find themselves down by just one goal at the first break.

Langman did not return in the second spell after taking an awkward knock to the hip in the opening quarter as she chased a ball. After receiving treatment on court, Langman played on until the break, but was replaced at quartertime by Camilla Lees.

Despite losing one of their key players and calming influence in the middle, the Mystics rocketed ahead in the second spell, winning the period 19-10 as Maria Tutaia and Cathrine Latu rediscovered their links in the shooting circle. The pair were kept in strong supply of ball by their defence end, with wing defence Serena Guthrie particularly dominant, picking up three intercepts in the opening half.

Leading 31-23 at the long break, the challenge for the Mystics over the second half was to drive home their advantage - something they have failed to do when in front this season, with the team seemingly more comfortable in chase mode.

Those doubts were confirmed in the third quarter as the Mystics came unstuck by complacency in their attacking play, with the homeside guilty of trying to be too flashy at times. The Mystics shooting circle also got dragged into a physical battle with Tactix defenders Jess Moulds and Louise Thayer, losing their cool at times and lashed out to the detriment of their own gameplan.

By the end of the period the Tactix had cut the Mystics lead back to 45-41, leaving the game in the balance.