The Northern Stars upset cross-town rivals the Northern Mystics 59-53 in their New Zealand netball Premiership clash in Auckland last night.
Emma Iversen of the Stars in the ANZ Premiership netball match between the Northern Stars. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Mystics had the most to lose, has they fought to stay in touch for a top three spot, but they were unable to nab a crucial bonus point at the business end of the season.
They did manage to peg back a seven-goal deficit in the last quarter fightback but the Stars regained control in the closing minutes to seal their third win.
The Stars welcomed back Fiji goal attack Afa Rusivakula from a three-week injury break while Mystics goal defence Storm Purvis got her first start since Round 2 as the teams set about delivering a strong first quarter.
Goal and wing attacks respectively, Malia Vaka and Emma Iversen made strong impacts for the Stars while Cullen and de Bruin held the Mystics star shooting duo in check.
But it was the Stars who finished stronger, making the most of their turnovers to hit the last break with a narrow 45-43 lead.
