The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel have secured home-court advantage for next week’s ANZ Premiership Elimination Final after edging the VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix 56-54 in a thrilling southern derby in Invercargill.
With both teams already locked into an Elimination Final showdown, Sunday’s clash carried extra significance, with hosting rights on the line. The victory ensures the Steel will welcome the Tactix back to Invercargill next weekend as the rivals battle again for a place in the Grand Final.
The result also marked a major breakthrough for the Steel, ending an 11-match losing streak against the Tactix while avenging their heavy Round One defeat.
In front of a sold-out home crowd, the contest delivered everything expected from two fierce South Island rivals, with the lead changing hands throughout an intense and physical encounter.
The Steel’s attacking combination of Aliyah Dunn and Georgia Heffernan proved decisive, with the pair combining effectively under constant defensive pressure. At the other end of the court, the Steel defence worked tirelessly to create opportunities and force crucial mistakes at key moments.
The Tactix were equally impressive, led by the flawless shooting of Charlie Bell, who produced a perfect 45 goals from 45 attempts. Their defensive unit also maintained relentless pressure across the full 60 minutes, helping keep the contest on a knife-edge until the closing stages.
The visitors made the stronger early impression, with Bell’s accuracy helping establish a four-goal lead. However, the Steel responded strongly through Dunn, whose influence around the circle helped the home side recover and edge ahead 15-14 at the first break.
The second quarter continued the arm-wrestle, with both teams trading goals and defensive stops. Former Silver Fern Gina Crampton directed play superbly for the Tactix, while Heffernan’s movement and playmaking provided valuable support for the Steel attack.
Defenders Renee Savai’inaea and Carys Stythe made life difficult for the Tactix shooters, but Laura Balmer and Ash Barnett matched their intensity at the other end of the court.
Despite several opportunities from bonus-ball periods, neither side could create meaningful separation. The Steel maintained their narrow advantage to lead 29-28 at halftime.
The intensity lifted again in the third quarter as turnovers, intercepts and defensive pressure dominated proceedings. The Steel briefly stretched their lead to three goals before a timely intercept from Balmer sparked a Tactix revival.
Bell remained composed under the hoop as the visitors fought back to claim a slender 41-39 lead heading into the final quarter.
With their season on the line and home advantage at stake, the Steel dug deep in the closing stages. Demonstrating the resilience that has defined their campaign, they regained the lead inside the final five minutes and held their nerve as the Tactix pushed desperately for a late response.
Critical turnovers proved costly for the visitors, while the Steel capitalised on their opportunities to close out a memorable two-goal victory.
The result sets up an enticing rematch next weekend, with the Steel and Tactix returning to Invercargill for a winner-takes-all Elimination Final and a place in the ANZ Premiership Grand Final.
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