13 July,2024 Flexing their credentials, the MG Mystics remainwell on track to secure a place in the Finals Series after acomprehensive 68-58 win over the table-topping Te Wānanga oRaukawa Pulse in Auckland on Saturday. Evenlycontested over the first quarter and through the secondhalf, the Mystics blew the game in their favour with awithering 22-13 burst during the secondquarter. Failing to cope with the injection and changeof impetus shooter Filda Vui provided for the Mystics whencoming on in the second quarter, the Pulse had few answersto the speed and accuracy it provided as Grace Nweke (whofinished with 57 from 64) and Peta Toeava exploded indevastating fashion.
In the penultimate round of theregular season, the Mystics are now in the box seat tosecure third place while the Pulse remain in the hunt for ahome Grand Final, both having everything to play for nextweek. With so much riding on the outcome, the Mysticslaunched with attacking lynchpins in Nweke, at goal shoot,and Toeava in the pivot’s position of wing attack, bothstill on the comeback from injury lay-offs. For thePulse, powerful goal attack Tiana Metuarau got her firststart of the season after also working her way back frominjury.
The well-performed Martina Salmon got the nod atgoal shoot while others returning from injury and still onlimited minutes, Maddy Gordon and Amelia Walmsley wereinjected later in the game. The Mystics made the bestof starts with the link between Toeava and Nweke on-songfrom the outset.