Sport + Motorsport
Southern Steel will host the elimination final after beating Canterbury Tactix 56-54 in a thriller at Invercargill on Sunday.
The result reversed Steel's 13-goal opening round loss to the Tactix while breaking an 11-game losing streak against their southern rivals. More importantly, it secured home advantage for the elimination final showdown between the same two teams.
Steel trailed by two points entering the final quarter but showed trademark grit to edge ahead with under five minutes remaining. Late turnovers proved costly for the Tactix in what was otherwise an outstanding contest.
The connection between Steel shooters Aliyah Dunn and Georgia Heffernan was crucial, backed by relentless defensive pressure. For the Tactix, Charlie Bell was flawless with 45 goals from 45 attempts while their defensive end provided a wholehearted 60-minute effort.
Ball retention proved decisive in the final outcome.
The southern derby delivered on expectations from the opening whistle. An intense, physical battle played out with both defensive ends dictating early proceedings through plenty of hustle to pick up loose ball.
Bell's perfect shooting helped the Tactix build a four-goal lead before Steel stormed back. Long clearing passes put the home side in prime position for a run of late goals, with Dunn's buzzer-time shot giving Steel a narrow 15-14 lead at the first break.
The contest remained tight through the second quarter. The Tactix required more time to work towards goal while Steel enjoyed better flow. Former Silver Ferns captain Gina Crampton showed strong vision into Bell while Heffernan provided key support for Dunn with positioning and play-making.
Steel defenders Renee Savai'inaea and Carys Stythe proved a menacing presence, well-matched by Laura Balmer and Ash Barnett at the other end.
Neither side capitalised on bonus ball opportunities. Steel injected interim injury replacement Queenslander Jessie Laga'aia at centre for fresh perspective but the stalemate continued through a drawn second quarter, leaving Steel ahead 29-28 at the main break.
Defensive pressure lifted another notch in the third quarter. Multiple phases saw the ball swing from end to end without reward as both sides picked up intercepts and deflections but failed to fully capitalise.
Steel pushed out to a three-goal buffer before a late Balmer intercept handed momentum to the visitors. The Tactix levelled with five minutes remaining and took a 41-39 lead into the final quarter.
Now the pair get to do it all over again for a spot in the Grand Final.