Northern Mystics slump to biggest season loss as defender rushed into shooting circle.
Phoenix Karaka was given shooting duties Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The top-of-the-table Northern Mystics have been dismantled by cross-town rivals the Northern Stars by 21 goals.
With Silver Ferns goal shooter Grace Nweke sidelined with an ankle injury for a third game in the ANZ Netball Premiership, there was a desperate look to the Mystics' combinations.
Mystics coach Helene Wilson tried a number of shooters to cover for the injured superstar.
The most ingenious solution was switching defender Phoenix Karaka from goal defence into the goal circle in the first-half.
That experiment was short-lived as replacement player Grace Namana was next in line for the goal shoot bib.
The Stars celebrated shooter Maia Wilson's 100th game with the victory. Excellent performances from defender Elle Temu, midcourters Gina Crampton and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan were positive factors for the slightly understrength Stars.
Silver Ferns legend Leana de Bruin was brought in to cover for Anna Harrison's absence, with de Bruin bringing up her 227th national league match.
Stars coach Kiri Wills and Mystics assistant coach Rob Wright were isolating at home as Covid-19 continues to impact the 2022 season.
The Mystics are yet to win a game without the services of Nweke, however their place in the upcoming finals series is secured. The Stars sit third on the table, and remain in the running for the finals.
The Elimination Final will be played on Wednesday 8th June between the second and third placed teams.
The season's minor premiers host the Grand Final on Sunday 12th June, taking on the winner of Elimination Final.
Shooting Stats - Stars:
Maia Wilson 37/47 (79%)
Jamie Hume 18/28 (64%)
Amorangi Malesala 4/7 (57%)
Shooting Stats - Mystics:
Monica Falkner 14/17 (82%)
Filda Vui 14/19 (74%)
Grace Namana 9/11 (82%)
Phoenix Karaka 1/1 (100%)
Danielle Binks 0/1 (0%)
MVP: Elle Temu (Stars)