VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix have strengthened their push toward the ANZ Premiership Finals Series while dealing a major blow to the Stars’ playoff hopes with a gritty 52-47 win in Auckland.
In front of a sell-out home crowd, the Stars showed flashes of brilliance but were ultimately outmatched by the Tactix defensive unit led by Fa’amu Muliaga, Laura Balmer and Ash Barnett in a physical and high-intensity clash.
Australian shooter Charlie Bell delivered another commanding performance under the hoop, converting 37 goals from 39 attempts while proving a constant target and calming influence for the visitors.
Midcourter Holly Mather was equally influential, producing an energetic all-round display highlighted by four intercepts and key defensive disruptions that repeatedly halted the Stars’ momentum.
The Stars entered the contest desperate to respond after narrowly losing to the Tactix by two goals just two weeks ago, but injuries and inconsistency proved costly.
The home side were without influential midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, sidelined through injury, forcing experienced campaigner Samon Nathan into the centre bib.
The opening quarter delivered exactly the intensity expected, with the Stars making a fast start through slick ball movement and strong feeding into shooter Amelia Walmsley.
Nathan quickly established her timing with Walmsley while the Stars’ defence disrupted the Tactix early attacking rhythm.
However, the Tactix responded strongly through Mather’s growing influence in midcourt and Bell’s composure under pressure, clawing their way back into the contest before Martina Salmon landed a super shot on the quarter-time buzzer to edge the Stars ahead 15-14.
The second quarter proved decisive.
In an increasingly physical battle, the Tactix lifted their defensive pressure significantly, with Mather producing several key steals while the defensive trio closed down the Stars’ attacking options.
A devastating six-goal unanswered run swung the game firmly toward the visitors, who stormed into halftime leading 29-23 after restricting the Stars to just eight goals for the quarter.
The Stars attempted to regroup after the break with defensive changes helping cut the deficit to just one goal during the third stanza.
But once again, the Tactix steadied through the leadership of Bell and the creative playmaking of former Stars player Amorangi Malesala.
Another Salmon two-pointer briefly reignited the home crowd, but the Tactix maintained control heading into the final quarter with a 41-36 advantage.
Despite the defeat, the Stars managed to secure a valuable bonus point by finishing within five goals — a result that could still prove important in the race for Finals Series qualification.
For the Tactix, the win continues their strong momentum heading into the closing rounds of the ANZ Premiership season while reinforcing their status as genuine title contenders.
