The Northern Mystics came away at the important end of a topsy-turvy game to beat the Central Pulse 49-44 in their ANZ netball clash in Auckland.
Serena Guthrie of the Mystics reacts. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The win, their second of the season, edges the Mystics back to the top of the New Zealand conference, one point clear of the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.
Slick work from the first whistle gave the Mystics an early 8-3 lead with goal attack Maria Tutaia shouldering a hefty workload further up the court from the centre pass.
The Pulse took time to settle in the midcourt, but gradually found their rhythm and started converting the turnover ball and led 13-12 at the first break.
The Pulse started with with newcomer Ameliaranne Wells at goal attack and Jodi Brown at shoot while the Mystics fielded a tried-and-tested pairing in Tutaia and Cathrine Latu.
The Pulse led 25-22 at half-time and 34-32 at three quarter-time.
However the home side dominated the final quarter with Temalisi Fakahokotau coming on in defence and giving Irene van Dyk a hard time.
Maria Tutaia then inspired her side through to the victory.
In the late game in Sydney, the New South Wales Swifts fought back from 9 goals down to draw 59-all with the West Coast Fever.
The Fever top the Australian Conference with seven points, one ahead of Melbourne and New South Wales.
In the New Zealand Conference, the Mystics have five points, one ahead of the Magic.
