Mystics beat Pulse to win ANZ Premiership

When Grace Nweke was sidelined by injury midway through the season, the Northern Mystics faithful held their breath.

Winning the title without their star shooter was always going to be a difficult task for the defending champions.

But when Nweke’s partner Peta Toawa missed some crucial matches, many said the defending champions’ hopes of winning the title were over.

All doubts were dispelled this afternoon when they defeated Central Pulse 54-53 in the final seconds of the game at TSB Arena.

The Mystics were trailing by two points with a minute left in the game, but they pulled off an unexpected comeback.

“I can’t put into words what this means to our team,” Nweke told Sky Sports in tears.

“That game was crazy.

“There was a moment when I thought we had failed.

“I can’t believe we just won.”

The Mystics defied all odds, winning six straight games to end the season and retain the title in Oakland.

The final period was very tense and Phoenix Karaka was suspended for two minutes.

She was charged with a dangerous move against Pulse center Whitney Souness, who had been hit early in the game.

This could have been a turning point for the Mystics, but their experience came in handy in crucial moments.

Both teams, which have combined to win the past six titles, looked nervous early on, but Enwek got the Mystics off to a strong start.

She took up good frontcourt space around Kelly Jackson, trying to eliminate the Pulse goalie’s arms.

Towards the end of the quarter, Jackson and Paris Mason double-teamed Nweke but it did not bother the experienced Silver Ferns.

Toeava and Tayla Earle put the ball away early, blasting past defenders at breakneck speed.

Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, on the other hand, set an example when it mattered most.

The Mystics captain had a big task on his hands against Souness but Sokolić-Bisson kept the Little Rocket quiet in his first match.

Given Souness’ dominance this season, that pressure was building throughout the Stanley Pulse team as they found themselves six points adrift.

Amelia Walmsley and Maddy Gordon played well late in the game to help the Thunder pull away from a 14-9 halftime deficit.

After a slow start to the season, Caracalla struck at the right time to help the Mystics get the ball in the backfield.

Her team stretched its lead to seven points, but then things started to go south.

Souness and Sokolić-Bisson collided heads, causing Souness to suffer a severe laceration above his eyebrow.

Spurred by the absence of their star midfielder, the Boston Pulse rallied together and turned the losing game back in their favor.

Fa’uamu Ioane intercepted a Mystics pass down the middle and slotted an easy pass to Walmsley under the posts.

They scored five goals in a row to reduce the gap and take the lead for the first time since the opening minutes.

Their collective defense has reached a new level.

But the Mystics, despite their frenetic offense, were able to hold off the Pulse attack and maintain their lead at 27-25.

When Souness came off the pitch, Gordon moved from the centre forward position to the wing attack and started to find space on the wing to pass the ball.

The Mystics continued to attack, showing their strength by passing the ball around and then letting it go when it hit the ground.

The third quarter was a close game. When one team attacked, the other team would counterattack.

Both sides further increased their collective pressure on the court.

At the end of the third quarter, the Mystics still led 42-41.