Northern Mystics win ANZ Championship opener

The Northern Mystics summoned one last surge to hold off the hard-charging Adelaide Thunderbirds 55-52 in an exciting and historic opening to the trans-Tasman netball competition in Auckland today.

Up by 10 goals early in the final quarter, the Mystics appeared set to succumb to the pressure of the Australian side's storming finish as they levelled proceedings at 51-51 with four minutes remaining.

However, three long-range goals to new recruit goal attack Maria Tutaia restored the home side's advantage and carried them to their first-ever defeat over an Australian team to kick-start the third year of the competition.

Lifted by new signings Tutaia, goal defence Joline Henry and Althea Byfield, the Mystics promise to be a stronger proposition this season and they showed it as they gradually pulled clear of a Thunderbirds side who were last year's beaten grand finalists.

They led 15-12 after the opening quarter, 27-26 at halftime and 42-36 with one stanza remaining.

Henry's impact was noticeable, entering the game at halftime despite carrying a calf niggle and improving her side's through-court work.

Tutaia shot 25 from 30 although she was outshone by goal shoot Cathrine Latu in the accuracy stakes as she slotted 30 from 32.

Byfield was arguably the player of the match, pulling off four rebounds, four intercepts and pulling off 10 defensive tips.

Former Jamaican international Carla Borrego made a promising debut for the Thunderbirds at goal shoot, netting 40 from 48 and came into her own as her team charged home but goal attack Kate Beveridge was kept quiet with nine from 14.

The Mystics won the rebounding battle 10-7 and claimed more intercepts at 8-4 but their major advantage was in umpire interpretation. They were penalised 29 times to the Thunderbirds' 63, with key defenders Geva Mentor and Monoia Gerrard struggling to adapt to the obstruction rulings.

- NZPA