Celebrating their first match of the season at home, the Silvermoon Tactix pinched a last-gasp 49-48 win over the Northern Stars in Christchurch.
The Silvermoon Tactix went into the match having lost captain and defender Jess Maclennan for the rest of the season due a knee ligament injury and Zoe Walker, for the match, with a knee injury.
Mirroring their extra time win over the same opponents in the first round, the Silvermoon Tactix refused to surrender after the Stars held the upper hand through most of the match.
Trailing by nine at one stage, the Silvermoon Tactix made multiple changes in a bid to repair the damage, including Leaver shifting into the pivot’s position of wing attack.
The home side replied in the best possible fashion while eating into the deficit. Leaver made a strong contribution from wing attack while the competition’s tallest player Ellie Bird provided a prominent target under the hoop.
All the drama came in the closing 2-1/2 minutes, the Silvermoon Tactix grabbing turnover opportunities and converting as the Stars failed to retain their earlier composure and faltering in the moments that mattered.
The Silvermoon Tactix showed plenty of character after taking the lead for the first time in the match with 10 seconds left on the clock, to make it three wins from four games and now sit third on the leader board.
The win was a fitting way to celebrate Erikana Pedersen’s 50th ANZ Premiership (Championship) game and debut by Lily Marshall at WD.
The Silvermoon Tactix next game is at Horncastle Arena in Christchurch on Monday 28 May, tickets available through Ticketek