Mystics pip Tactix with late flurry

Apr 28, 2014 - 9:43 AM A cruel last-gasp penalty has cost Canterbury Tactix their second win of the trans-Tasman netball league, with the Northern Mystics sneaking home 61-60 in Christchurch on Monday.

Up by one and with 25 seconds remaining, the Tactix looked to have the game secured.

But a circle edge penalty turned over possession, and the ninth-placed Mystics scored two quickfire goals to snatch an unlikely victory over 10-ranked Tactix.

The southerners have built their game around spectacular goal shoot Mwai Kumwenda, and the Malawi international was at her best right from the first whistle.

Not overly tall at 1.83m, Kumwenda showed outstanding elevation and anticipation in reeling a barrage of powerful passes from her midcourt.

England international Jade Clarke was at the top of her game in providing drive and direction from centre, with mercurial wing attack Keshia Grant's speed and flair injecting unpredictability into the attacking third.

The two teams matched each other goal for goal in the opening quarter, the Tactix edging ahead on the centre pass to lead 16-15 after 15 minutes.

Northern Mystics continued to struggle in bringing the ball through on transition from defence in the second quarter.

Shooters Cathrine Latu and Maria Tutaia were combining well, but the Mystics were too often guilty of forcing the final pass into the circle.

Defenders Jane Watson and Zoe Walker made the most of their chances, and the Tactix were more efficient in working any turnover ball downcourt.

Ahead 32-31 at halftime, the home team were put under more pressure in the attacking third with the introduction of goal keep Temalisi Fakahokotau at the break.

Anna Harrison shifted out to goal defence to replace Julie Corletto, and 19-year-old Fakahokotau slotted in at goal keep to ramp up the pressure on Kumwenda.

With the Mystics lifting their midcourt defence noticeably, Canterbury couldn't free enough quick ball for Kumwenda, and the Mystics went into the final quarter with a 46-45 lead.

The home team worked hard to retain possession as the game neared fulltime and looked to have done enough for the win, but it took only one lapse at the wrong time to concede the crucial turnover.

Source: AAP