Defending champions VIP Frames & Trusses Mainland Tactix put their marker in the ground to remain unbeaten after posting a gritty 53-48 win over Te Wānanga o Raukawa Central Pulse in Christchurch on Sunday.
The reigning ANZ Premiership champions have made a statement in their first game of the 2026 season, the VIP Frame & Trusses Mainland Tactix beating the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel 55-42 in a high energy match in Christchurch.
Donna Wilkins has led the Tactix to the region’s first ever National League title, when they defeated the Mystics 58-46 in the ANZ Premiership final on Sunday.
With a place in the grand final to play for, an energised local crowd turned out to watch the Tactix put everything on the line for their do or die showdown against the Pulse winning 57-52, securing their chance to take on the Northern Mystics for the ANZ Premiership.
After winning all of their home games, the VIP Frame and Trusses Tactix hoped to come out on top in their Sunday showdown against the Northern Mystics in Auckland, but unfortunately the Tactix fell 70-56, making it their third loss out of ten games in the ANZ Premiership.
The second-placed Tactix and fifth-ranked Magic competed in Round nine on Monday night, with the home side taking a 68-57 win in their penultimate game of the ANZ Premiership.
The ANZ premiership has entered the ninth week of play, and the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix have their eyes on a win against the Magic as they stride towards securing a top three spot, and a chance to play in the elusive final.
Despite a Round 8 loss to the Pulse on Sunday, the Tactix fought hard to level the score in the away-from-home match that ended in only their second loss of the season.
On a weekend where the Crusaders took out the Super Rugby, the Tactix solidified their ANZ premiership title hopes, taking down the one team that has beaten them this season.