Netball: The final countdown begins in National Bank Cup

The Sting, Flames and Magic look good for semifinals places, but time is running out for everyone else, writes JULIE ASH

Sting vs Rebels

Invercargill, today 7pm

After last weekend's polished performance against the Canterbury Flames, the Sting proved once again they will take some beating.

They have perfect timing, all-round strength and are composed in tight situations.

The Rebels side proved in their match last weekend against the Diamonds that they have no shortage of grit and determination. They were within striking distance of the vastly experienced Auckland side right until the final whistle.

Their inaccurate passing cost them the game and if they make the same errors tonight the Sting will run away with the match.

Expect the Sting machine to rack up a big score in front of their home crowd.

Flames vs Magic

Christchurch, today 7.30pm

In what should be the one of the closest matches of the round, this game could determine who will finish second to the Sting heading into the semifinals.

The Canterbury side have looked steady in the previous four games. Silver Ferns Jodi Te Huna and Belinda Colling have combined strongly and accurately in the shooting circle while Vilimaina Davu and Australian import Peta Stephens are formidable on defence.

The Magic were lucky to escape with a four-goal win last weekend against the Shakers.

Strength in the shooting circle means the winner could be decided by the better defence.

For both sides the match will be their second in six days.

Force vs Diamonds

North Shore Events Centre, Sunday 1pm

This match is also expected to be close and has a lot riding on it - the winner is likely to claim the fourth and final semifinal spot.

In the six years the competition has been running, the Diamonds have never beaten the Force. But in 1998 and last year, just four goals separated them.

The sides both won last weekend and share many similarities. They have good defence and strong midcourters, but there are question marks over both sets of shooters which is where this match is likely to be decided.

The Force will win if shooters Daneka Wipiiti and Teresa Tairi are on target; if not then the Diamonds may walk away with their first victory in the battle of the bridge.


Flyers vs Shakers

Palmerston North, Sunday 1pm.

The Shakers have no doubt become familiar with the saying "close but no cigar".

Last weekend, for the second time in the competition, the Wellington-based side came close to upsetting one of their more-fancied rivals.

The 55-51 loss to the Magic came after the Shakers lost to the Force by just one goal in the opening round.

While obviously disappointed at last weekend's defeat, Shakers coach Sheryl George-Burns would have been happy with the performance of her shooters, Katie Ritchie and Jo Brown, and her defensive duo of Megan Hutton and Cushla Lichtwark.

For the Flyers the competition has been tough going, and may continue that way this weekend.