The VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix leave everything out on court in the Elimination Final Sunday evening against The Ascot Park Hotel Steel, with just six points standing in their way of reaching the last hurdle.
On the same court with the same teams and same full-house crowd in attendance, Steel came out fighting in the first quarter and the visitors found themselves down 17-11 in the first break.
After rebuilding their team in the off-season, the gallant defending champion Tactix fought back through the following three-quarters after doing a remarkable job to make their way to the Finals Series but came up against a well-drilled and experienced Steel team to end their run.
A time out in the second quarter called by Tactix Head Coach Donna Wilkins, saw an immediate uplift in her side returning to play with an intercept from Laura Balmer, leading to a goal. Dropping a 12 point deficit down to eight in just over two minutes of play, the Tactix finished the second quarter strongly.
Reducing the gap on the scoreboard again to just five goals after a 5-2 start to the third stanza, the Tactix showed improved consistency while getting more ball into the hands of towering shooter Charlie Bell to stay in the contest.
Key strike weapon Bell was well-contained under the hoop, with 32 points from 33 shots. Hannah Glen was brought on as Goal Attack in the last stanza, with Amorangi Malesala replacing Bell with five minutes to go. The pair became a dynamic duo, both determined to use every moment they could to aim for Super Shots in the dying moments.
The result brings the end of the 2026 season for the Tactix and the Steel have advanced to their first Grand Final in eight years, meeting Minor Premiers GoSweetSpot Mystics in the season-decider in Auckland next Saturday evening.
