ANZ Premiership: Northern Mystics pip Northern Stars in top of the table clash

By RNZ

The Northern Mystics have beaten cross-town rivals and competition leaders the Northern Stars 63-60 in a top-of-the-table national netball premiership clash in Auckland.

The bonus point loss helped the Stars retain their status at the top of the table, with the Mystics closing to within one point after their most consistent and disciplined showing of the season.

The Stars came home strongly, closing to within two in a tense finish, but that was as good as it got for the league pace-setters.

Significantly, the Mystics achieved the result without two of their regular starters in centre Tayla Earle (concussion) and wing defence Fa'amu Ioane (sprained ankle).

Towering teenaged shooter Grace Nweke was the shining light for the Mystics.

Well-served by the inspiring Elisapeta Toeava, Nweke put a staggering 60 goals through the hoop, missing just four in total, in steering her team to the all-important win.