Northern Mystics awoke from their winter slumber to register an important win in the trans-Tasman netball league tonight.
The Mystics, who have mystified their supporters after being touted as one of this country's strongest franchises, chalked up just their third win in eight matches by beating Canterbury Tactix 50-46 in Auckland.
They were well worth the result, with Paula Griffin in excellent form to give them a cutting edge in the attacking circle.
At the other end of the court, experienced defenders Vilimaina Davu and Leana de Bruin were a constant menace for static Tactix shooters Rachel Dunn and Anna Thompson and continually interrupted their flow of ball.
Mystics mid courters Temepara George and Angelina Yates ensured a stream of quality ball was fed to Griffin as the Mystics led 26-18 at halftime.
It was a potentially decisive break but one they were not willing to sit on as coach Yvonne Willering benched goal attack Jade Topia at the interval, introduced Samoan international Cathrine Latu to goal shoot and shifted Griffin to goal attack.
Latu responded by quickly slotting a series of goals as the Mystics stretched their advantage to 31-21 before the home side reshuffled their defensive lineup midway through the third quarter after Davu left the court.
It was a disruption they could do without as Thompson was kept busy to help the Tactix drag themselves back into the contest at 30-36 late in the quarter.
The Tactix, with four victories already behind them, needed another win tonight to maintain their push for a top-four position.
That desperation showed itself as they stayed in touch before a telling intercept from de Bruin enabled the Mystics to forge ahead 40-32 with one quarter to play.
Eight goals were always going to be too many to pull back.
Thompson continued to carry the shooting duties for the Tactix, who replaced English international Dunn with 17-year-old Ellen Halpenny for the last quarter, but switches in personnel could deny the Mystics.
The outcome reversed the result of the first match between the two teams which season which the Tactix won 48-44.
