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Young Steel side show grit to earn home-court advantage

Logan Savory

Southern Steel coach Reinga Bloxham says hosting an ANZ Premiership playoff game in Invercargill is a massive boost as the team eye a spot in the 2021 final.

The Steel went into the 15th and final round of the ANZ Premiership regular season needing to beat the Central Pulse on Saturday and hoping the Northern Mystics would topple the Mainland Tactix yesterday, to book a home elimination final.

They ticked off the first task on Saturday at ILT Stadium Southland, before watching the Northern Mystics come through.

Speaking soon after the Mystics’ win, Bloxham said the prospect of home court advantage against the Tactix on Sunday was exciting.

‘‘It’s massive in terms of the home crowd advantage that we have. Obviously we have parochial supporters who stand behind us all of the time,’’ Bloxham said.

Sunday’s playoff game at ILT Stadium Southland will more than likely end up a sell-out, given a crowd of more than 3200 showed up to watch the Steel in their final regular-season game on Saturday.

It shows the passion for netball in Southland remains well and truly alive.

‘‘The people who have stuck behind the Steel for years keep coming back, but there is also a new crowd of people who have come along and are jumping on the bandwagon of this Steel team which is great.’’

Bloxham said home-court advantage also meant they did not have to factor travel to Christchurch into the build-up this week.

The winner of the Steel-Tactix elimination final will advance to the grand final against the Mystics on August 8.

Considering the Steel did not win a game in their preseason, to be hosting an elimination final is an impressive effort for what is largely a very inexperienced team.

‘‘Right from the beginning, it was a goal to make the top three and give ourselves an opportunity. To make the top three and now have an elimination at home is even bigger for us.

‘‘I’m extremely proud of the way the girls have fought their way through the season, particularly the back half of the season.’’

Sport Regional

en-nz

2021-07-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-07-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281599538527969

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