Central

That was an occasion befitting a Grand Final. The match had a bit of everything as the two best teams traded blows for the duration in an entertaining contest, the gallant Tactix providing plenty in an absorbing outing.

Top-class defenders Jane Watson and Karin Burger were key figures, their trademark hustle and bustle providing numerous opportunities. Meanwhile, shooters Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Ellie Bird showed plenty of enterprise under the hoop as the southerners fell agonisingly short of securing a maiden title.

Not given much of a chance at the beginning of the season, a new-look Steel proved all the doubters wrong as they gained traction throughout to play better and increasingly with the results to match.

Unheralded, youthful and bold, the assembled band of willing participants from near and far who went on to form an impressive unit, the Steel revelled in their underdog status to stamp their mark in the top three.

Consistently composed and accurate, Shannon Saunders excelled in her role as captain with a season to savour while import shooter George Fisher and her circle buddy Tiana Metuarau forged an instant rapport to become a feared combination under the hoop.

Excelling with consistent court time under her belt, Metuarau came of age in southern colours, showcasing her natural skill set and play-making role at the attacking end to deliver an impressive season. She was joined by Kate Heffernan, who made a seamless transition from wing defence to centre for 2021 and produced a fine all-round season. In a sign of bright future prospects, the pair took the next step when included for the first time in the 2021/22 Silver Ferns Squad. After a faultless start to the season, the Robinhood Stars were left to ponder where it all went wrong. Leaving all other teams in their wake through a dominant first half of the season, the Stars occupied a spot in the top two until Round 12, when they came unstuck. As other teams continued to rise, the Stars could not retain their momentum and were run down at the business end of the season to finish a disappointing fourth. There was much to like about the Stars, and their future remains positive after building a budding depth of talent.

In her comeback, 38-year-old defender Anna Harrison turned back the clock to play a key role as an inspiring leader while churning out top-quality performances on a weekly basis. Play-making shooter Jamie Hume had a stellar season with her consistently high standard of court play and accuracy under the hoop to earn her selection in the 2021/22 Silver Ferns Squad.

Livewire midcourter Mila ReueluBuchanan showed her growing maturity also, with a non-stop season of highquality Netball, while the league’s youngest captain, Maia Wilson, will have learnt a great deal from the team’s rollercoaster ride.

With pregnancy ruling out experienced Silver Ferns duo Katrina Rore and Ameliaranne Ekenasio before the season

had started, it was always going to be challenging for the Pulse. And this proved to be the case. The defending champions were desperately unlucky at times, pocketing a record eight bonus-point losses, the lack of outright wins combining to erode their chances of climbing the table. However, they remained competitive throughout, their building blocks reinforced by the strong commitment and never-saydie attitudes of captain Claire Kersten, Maddy Gordon, playing the new position The (Grand Final) of wing defence, and Kelly Jury, learning something new as well, from goal match had a bit of defence. Shooter Aliyah Dunn continues everything as the to be one of the best in the business with two best teams her 90 percent success rate. traded blows...” The Magic were another team who could not convert their bonus-point losses (seven) into outright wins in a disappointing season. Following a bright start, the Magic failed to progress despite coming close on numerous occasions. Captain Sam Winders was a monumental force from the midcourt with her consistently high-energy, productive and wholehearted efforts each outing. Experienced defender Erena Mikaere had her moments, also. Undaunted by her lack of experience, exciting teenaged shooter Khiarna Williams showcased her budding career with some impressive matches. The same can be said for defender Georgia Tong, who shone with her tenacity and ball-winning ability.

1st: Northern Mystics 2nd: The Good Oil Tactix 3rd: Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel 4th: Robinhood Stars 5th: Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse 6th: Splice Construction Magic

Teams

NORTHERN MYSTICS

Kate Burley Tayla Earle Sulu Fitzpatrick Fa’amu Ioane Bailey Mes Grace Nweke Elisapeta Toeava Saviour Tui Filda Vu Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (ruptured Achilles, replaced by Ama Agbeze) Coach: Helene Wilson SPLICE CONSTRUCTION WBOP MAGIC

Caitlin Bassett Georgie Edgecombe Temalisi Fakahokotau Grace Kara Tori Kolose Erena Mikaere Chiara Semple Georgia Tong Khiarna Williams Sam Winders Coach: Amigene Metcalfe THE GOOD OIL TACTIX

Ellie Bird Karin Burger Charlotte Elley Sophia Fenwick Samon Nathan Erikana Pedersen Kimiora Poi Jess Prosser Te Paea Selby-Rickit Jane Watson Coach: Marianne Delaney-Hoshek

ROBINHOOD STARS

Gina Crampton Monica Falkner Anna Harrison Jamie Hume Oceane Maihi Amorangi Malesala Lisa Mather Mila Reuelu-Buchanan Elle Temu Maia Wilson Coach: Kiri Wills TE WĀNANGA O RAUKAWA PULSE

Te Amo Amaru-Tibble Aliyah Dunn Ameliaranne Ekenasio Maddy Gordon Kelly Jury Claire Kersten Paris Lokotui Parris Mason Kelera Nawai Whitney Souness Coach: Gail Parata ASCOT PARK HOTEL SOUTHERN STEEL

Taneisha Fifita George Fisher Kate Heffernan Tiana Metuarau Kiana Pelasio Shannon Saunders Renee Savai’inaea Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit Ali Wilshier Sarahpheinna Woulf Coach: Reinga Bloxham