Mystics captain Anna Harrison is leaving controversy at the door when they play the Stars in the inaugural 'Northern Challenge' on Sunday - writes Ravinder Hunia
Northern Mystics captain Anna Harrison Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
The Northern Mystics didn't have the ideal start to the ANZ Premiership after opening their account with two losses to the Southern Steel and Mainland Tactix.
Game two against the Tactix saw a head scratching start with both Silver Fern shooters Maria Folau and Bailey Mes remaining on the bench.
While Folau's late inclusion in the second quarter is unknown, Mes is the first to put her hand up and admit her shooting percentages are letting her down.
"It's always work for shooters and something that I am always working on and I want them to be as high as possible." says Mes.
"There's practice away from team training to get your volume up, solidifying your technique and connections on court that you need to work on - it's both mental and physical."
Northern Mystics shooter Bailey Mes competing for the ball Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
Captain Anna Harrison expressed her disappointment with the results so far but has faith that Mes will rediscover her form for round two's match against the Stars.
"The best thing we can do is not dwell and make sure we build on Sunday." says Harrison.
"It's showing your support and if you look at it like that you'll improve and get over things quicker than if you thought you were isolated."
It's no secret that Folau has joined her husband Israel Folau to live in Australia on restricted court-time in a unique arrangment with the club.
Northern Mystics shooter Maria Folau Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
Netball Northern Zone CEO Nicole Spratt confirmed they are in regular contact with Folau who has signed on for the 2018 and 2019 seasons and says her limited court time is due to an overloaded schedule.
"Due to the International calendar and the impacts on the scheduling of the ANZ Premiership for the 2018 and 2019 calendar there's a lot of netball to be played in a short amount of time." says Spratt
"alongside her commitments with the Silver Ferns, we are managing her work load which will mean that she will not feature in every game."
To qualify to play in the Premiership finals, Folau must play at least three season games, but less time at training with the team means less time to work towards that chance.
Harrison though is adamant her absence is not to blame for the first round results.
"Whatever is happening with Ria (Maria) hasn't transferred to our side at all." says Harrison.
"Winning and losing is part of netball but at the end of the day the main focus is us as people and it's a big thing for us to look after the people first."
"We need put ourselves in a position where we play how we want and this week's derby adds spice, it's nice to have this little competition between Aucklanders with a trophy and a name."
Mystics play the Stars for the 'Northern Challenge' trophy at Trusts Arena in Auckland on Sunday 13th of May at 4pm.
- RNZ
