With Elimination Final hosting rights on the line, VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix battled it out to the dying seconds against Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in Invercargill Sunday afternoon with the hosts coming away with a 56-54 win after a riveting contest against neighbours.
Already confirmed as the pair to meet in the Elimination Final, today’s result means the Tactix will travel down south again next week.
The southern derby lived up to expectations with the contest sitting in the balance from start to finish.
Coming into the final quarter trailing by two, the Steel demonstrated their renowned grit, only getting their noses back in front with under five minutes to go.
In an epic clash the Tactix provided plenty in an outstanding contest. Shooter Charlie Bell delivered a perfect 45 from 45 while the defensive end provided a wholehearted 60-minute effort. Ball retention proved crucial throughout the game.
And now the two teams get to do it all over again for a spot in the Grand Final.
Befitting the context of the game, the expected arm-wrestling was evident from the first whistle as an intense, dogged and physical game played out. Early on the game was dictated by the defensive ends, both sides providing plenty of hustle to pick up the scraps.
With Bell slotting all opportunities coming her way, the Tactix forged a handy four-goal lead before the Steel came storming back. A buzzer-time shot from the Steels Dunn gave the home side a narrow 15-14 lead at the first break.
The tightest of contests resumed in the second half with both sides absorbing intense pressure while keeping everyone on the edge of their seats in the sold-out stadium.
Former Silver Ferns captain Gina Crampton showed strong vision into Bell, providing 24 goal assists and 32 feeds into the shooting circle throughout the game. Steel defenders Renee Savai’inaea and Carys Stythe were a menacing presence but well-matched at the opposite end of the court by Laura Balmer and Ash Barnett.
The Steel injected interim injury replacement Queenslander Jessie Laga’aia in at centre for a fresh perspective, but was subbed off soon after receiving an official warning from the umpire for repeated infringements. Impasse continued, the combatants slugging out a stalemate through a drawn second quarter to leave the Steel with their one-goal margin when leading 29-28 at the main break.
With no lessening of intent as the defensive pressure lifted another notch, the third stanza was highlighted by multiple phases of play with the ball swinging from one end of the court to the other without reward. Both sides picked up numerous intercepts and deflections but failed to fully capitalise.
The Steel pushed out to a three-goal buffer, looking to nail a small advantage as the teams went goal-for goal but a Balmer intercept late in the piece handed the impetus to the visitors. Levelling up with five minutes to go, it was just what the Tactix needed and enough to give them a sniff.
With Bell in commanding form under the Tactix hoop, it was the visitors who enjoyed the slightest of edges through the third quarter, making the last turn with their noses in front when leading 41-39.
