Match Report Steel v Tactix – Round 10
June 14, 2026
A gritty 56-54 win over the Tactix has secured the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel crucial home court advantage for the 2026 ANZ Premiership elimination final.
If last night’s showdown is any indication, a battle of epic proportions is looming as the South Island neighbours face off again this Sunday to earn a place in the Grand Final.
Playing for the Hutton Family Trophy, the southern derby lived up to expectations with the contest sitting in the balance from start to finish. Coming into the final quarter trailing by two, the Steel demonstrated their renowned grit, getting their noses back in front with under five minutes to go.
With 19 seconds on the clock and the home side up by two, only a two-point super shot would suffice from the Tactix to force the game into overtime. The scenario promoted a tactical timeout from Steel head coach Wendy Frew which proved to be a masterstroke.
“I just wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page. They hadn’t really been shooting the two’s but I also just wanted to get the message across to be disciplined. I didn’t want any silly penalties in that time,” she said.
The victory reversed their 13-goal loss to the Tactix in Round 1 while also breaking an 11-game losing streak to their southern rivals.
Frew admitted it was a tough gig on the coaching bench as the intensity ramped up.
“Give me the bib any day. It’s hard but I have a lot of faith in the girls and a lot of trust and I knew they could execute. These girls just work so hard for each other and it’s a real honour for me to lead them,” she said.
“It is intense and there’s only so much you can control. Key players stepped up in key moments tonight and they got us over the line.
“It was goal for goal. I thought it was a great spectacle, and everyone needs to get excited for this time in a week because it’s going to be a great match. There’s a lot on the line and two very skilful teams.
“I don’t want these girls to get too caught up in the occasion. For us it’s another game and sure there’s a bit more on the line, but we’re just going to stay humble, work hard and come back with an even better performance to take it up another gear.”
The boisterous sold-out crowd of 3100 had a powerful impact.
“It was so cool. In those moments they really lift the girls and it was pretty special to be part of. We talk a lot about our eighth player here and just how loyal our fans are so when you get a tight game like that, we’re just so grateful to play in front of them,” Frew said.
“What I love at the moment is sports like the Steel and the Sharks going so well and the community’s just on an up. It’s a real privilege to bring that to the community. There’s no better feeling than playing at home in a must win game and the girls will have no problem getting up for it.”
Frew paid tribute to injured captain Kimiora Poi and the positive influence she continues to have in the Steel environment.
“She is a true professional and you will see her here at every training where she’s giving it everything and talking to the girls. It’s a massive loss for us and we kind of all had a wee sook about it for a few days and there were tears when she announced that it was all over. Emotionally it hurt the girls but now we’re playing for her. She is still leading this team … she’s not on the court but she is playing a massive role.
“For me as a coach I would love to win this for her so she can hold that trophy at the end. She’s an incredible person and I’ve just loved working with her.”
In an epic clash, it was late turnovers that cost the Tactix, who provided plenty in an outstanding contest. The connection and accuracy between shooters Aliyah Dunn and Georgia Heffernan were key for the Steel alongside a non-stop defensive effort.
It was much the same for the Tactix, with shooter Charlie Bell delivering a perfect 45 from 45 while the defensive end provided a wholehearted 60-minute effort. Ball retention proved crucial in the final outcome.
Befitting the context of the game, the expected arm-wrestling was evident from the first whistle as an intense, dogged and physical game played out. Early on the game was dictated by the defensive ends, both sides providing plenty of hustle to pick up the scraps.
With Bell slotting all opportunities coming her way, the Tactix forged a handy four-goal lead before the Steel came storming back. Long clearing passes put the home side in prime position with a run of late goals, Dunn continuing her strong season in helping the Steel level up. A buzzer-time shot from the influential scorer giving the home side a narrow 15-14 lead at the first break.
The tightest of contests resumed on the resumption, both sides absorbing intense pressure while keeping everyone on the edge of their seats in the sold-out stadium. The Tactix required more time to work their way towards goal but hanging tough while the Steel enjoyed more flow.
Former Silver Ferns captain Gina Crampton showed strong vision into Bell while at the other end, Heffernan provided key back-up for Dunn with her positioning and play-making skills. Steel defenders Renee Savai’inaea and Carys Stythe were a menacing presence but well-matched at the opposite end of the court by Laura Balmer and Ash Barnett.
Seeking to break the shackles, neither side made the best use of any bonus ball opportunities, the Steel injecting interim injury replacement Queenslander Jessie Laga’aia in at centre for a fresh perspective. But the impasse continued, the combatants slugging out a stalemate through a drawn second quarter to leave the Steel with their one-goal margin when leading 29-28 at the main break.
With no lessening of intent as the defensive pressure lifted another notch, the third stanza was highlighted by multiple phases of play with the ball swinging from one end of the court to the other without reward. Both sides picked up numerous intercepts and deflections but failed to fully capitalise.
The Steel pushed out to a three-goal buffer, looking to nail a small advantage as the teams went goal-for goal but a Balmer intercept late in the piece handed the impetus to the visitors. Levelling up with five minutes to go, it was just what the Tactix needed and enough to give them a sniff.
With Bell in commanding form under the Tactix hoop, it was the visitors who enjoyed the slightest of edges through the third quarter, making the last turn with their noses in front when leading 41-39.
