The leading New Zealand team in netball's trans-Tasman competition, the Northern Mystic is still to claim a win over an Australian side, suffering a 53-47 loss to the Queensland Firebirds in Auckland.
After being beaten by 16 goals last week by the New South Wales Swifts, the Mytic had been hoping for a change of fortune.
Possessing the best record of the Australian teams in New Zealand, the Firebirds continued that trend with a forceful showing leading from start to finish.
The home team coughed up too much ball, with the Firebirds having 21 more attempts at goal in a sign of their overall dominance.
Mystics midcourter Camilla Lees (left) pressures Queensland Firebirds defender Clare McMeniman. Photo: Photosport
Paula Griffin started at goal attack for the Mystics ahead of Cathrine Latu but with the Firebirds leading 17-9 lead at the first break Latu was brought into the game.
The Mystics chip the deficit back to four before the Firebirds led 25-20 at halftime and the Mystics never got any closer than five goals for the remainder of the match.
MariaTutaia shot impressively from all corners of the circle but did not get the ball often enough as the visitors led 41-32 going into the final quarter.
Mystics shooting statistics:
Cathrine Latu 15/15 (100%)
Paula Griffin 4/6 (67%)
Maria Tutaia 28/30 (93%)
Firebirds shooting statistics:
Romelda Aiken 42/53 (79%)
Gretel Tippett 11/19 (58%)
