The Ascot Park Hotel Steel are heading to their first Grand Final in eight years after a commanding 60-54 win over the VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix in Sunday’s Elimination Final in Invercargill.
Backed by a packed home crowd, the Steel delivered a composed and clinical performance to end the defending champion Tactix’s season and book a showdown with Minor Premiers GoSweetSpot Mystics in Auckland next Saturday night.
It was the second time in seven days the Steel had beaten the Tactix on the same court, but this time there was no late escape required. After edging the Tactix by two goals in the final regular-season clash, the southern side took control early and never surrendered their advantage.
The Steel laid the foundation with a blistering 17-11 opening quarter, powered by relentless defensive pressure and accuracy on attack.
Shooter Aliyah Dunn and defender Carys Stythe were outstanding at opposite ends of the court, providing the experience and big-match presence needed in a knockout final.
Stythe was particularly influential, combining with Khanye-Lii Munro-Nonoa and Renee Savai’inaea to disrupt the Tactix attack and force hesitancy from their feeders. By halftime, Stythe had already produced four intercepts and four deflections as the Steel built a 32-24 lead.
At the other end, Dunn and Georgia Heffernan made the most of the extra possession, while young wing attack Serina Daunakamakama showed composure beyond her years with accurate feeding into the circle.
The Tactix, who had done well to reach the Finals Series after rebuilding their squad in the off-season, refused to fade. They opened the third quarter strongly, cutting the margin to five goals and finding better access to towering shooter Charlie Bell.
But every time the visitors threatened to build momentum, the Steel responded with patience, control and discipline.
A drawn third quarter left the Steel ahead 48-40 at the final break, and the home side had enough in reserve to close out the contest.
The result ends a brave title defence from the Tactix but signals the arrival of a Steel team peaking at the right time.
Next up is the Grand Final against the Mystics in Auckland, where the Steel will look to complete a remarkable season and claim the championship.
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