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Although off-season signings augured well for the Northern Stars, they will not be progressing to the ANZ Premiership playoffs this year.
By the time the team took their home court at Pulman Arena, their playoff hopes were already dashed. Playing for pride, the Stars came out looking calm and composed.
However, a 34–29 lead at the half could not be converted into a win as the Steel sealed the deal with a 71–59 victory.
Strong starts by shooters Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon, supported by gutsy performances by Samon Nathan, mid-court, with Kate Walsh, Kate Burley and Aimee Landrigan on defence all gave fans plenty to cheer for despite the final score.
While the Mystics, Steel and Tactix have all booked spots in the final, the last round of the regular season will determine which one will advance to the grand final, avoiding the need to play in the elimination round.
As for the Stars, a last-gasp effort on their home court against the Pulse this weekend will likely draw plenty of fans hopeful to see them go out on a winning note.
For more information, visit starsnetball.co.nz.
Chief concerns and Blues news
As a reward for dispatching the Reds (46–24) at the weekend with almost a big a winning margin as they did the week prior against the Blues (59–34), the Chiefs have secured a home semifinal.
However, by finishing second on the table, the Chiefs would’ve expected home ground advantage in the semis anyway. By losing dynamic loose forward, Wallace Sititi to a bad head knock in (effectively) a meaningless clash, it’s fair to say they’ve had injury added to insult.
Meantime, despite being put to the sword by the Crusaders (52–31) in their Qualifying Final, the Blues survive although they’re now on course to be blown away by the Hurricanes in Wellington this weekend.
Make sense? Perhaps not, but a straightforward knockout would make too much sense for Super Rugby – if not so in the case of poor Wally, obviously.
Aupiki rising…
The men are at the business end of their season, but the competition and the players are only now set to get into gear.
Although most Franklin locals will likely back the Chiefs Manawa, Heat fans might favour the Blues given the squad has a stronger Counties contingent – click here to read more.
In the opening round this Saturday, the Blues are at home to the Hurricanes Poua while the Chiefs Manawa will play their first game at Christchurch’s new One NZ Stadium against Matatū. See superrugby.co.nz for details.
