May 10

The Stars have fallen short 52-50 to the defending champion Tactix in a thrilling ANZ Premiership clash in Christchurch.

Both teams traded blows early, with the Tactix getting their home crowd into the contest and the Stars taking some time to warm into the game.

There was a lack of cohesion at the shooting end for the Stars, as they met a hungry Tactix defence, who challenged them every possession.

A time-out called by coach Temepara Bailey late in the quarter was much needed and the Stars immediately cashed in with an intercept off the restart of play.

That swung the momentum needle in the favour of the Stars and they played some composed netball and chipped away at the scoreboard.

Pressure then showed again, with the Tactix missing a good look at goal and the Stars punished them, with a go ahead goal seeing them lead 13-12 at quarter-time.

The second quarter was enthralling, with both teams refusing to fold showcasing gritty play throughout.

Neither side could string together enough dominant play to quite kick clear in what was a seesawing affair.

Scoreboard tension broke in the favour of the Tactix late in the half as they edged their noses in front - taking a 28-27 advantage into the half-time break.

The same story that had been told for much of the first half continued into the third quarter, as each team went goal for goal.

An all-effort play from captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan at the back of the court saw her snatch a vital intercept and the Stars began to surge.

The Stars were guilty at times of mot taking opportunities with the ball and were disconnected, with many feeds into the shooting circle having either too much power or not enough and not finding the target.

The Tactix finished the quarter strongest and took a three-goal buffer into the final period.

The game roared into life in the final quarter, with pace and intensity lifting and the atmosphere electric.

The Stars heaped pressure on the Tactix across the court and were rewarded, with defender Kate Burley showing her class with two beautiful intercepts and with the Stars making the most of the ball, they regained the lead with nine minutes to play.

With the Stars seemingly in control, Tactix coach Donna Wilkins called a time-out. Her cries for a response were answered and the Tactix immediately won a crucial turnover and suddenly the game was tied.

Spurred on by their home fans, the Tactix kicked clear and while the Stars tried their hardest to fight back, the resistance was futile and the Tactix came away with a gutsy 52-50 win.

The Stars return back to Auckland to face cross-city rivals the Mystics on Saturday night away.

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