By RNZ
Northern Stars continue to fall in the ANZ Premiership, with a loss to the Tactix dropping them out of a playoff position.
The Stars topped the competition through the first half of the season, but last night's 52-39 loss to the Tactix has dropped them to fourth on the table.
The Stars were unbeaten through the first five rounds, but have lost their last three games.
Their crucial win sees the Tactix leapfrog the Stars and the Steel to second on the table.
Tactix circle defenders Jane Watson and Karin Burger - Most Valuable Player for a fifth time - were in sensational form, snaffling the ball and upsetting the Stars attack, which tried three different goal shoots during the match to combat the international duo.
Tactix shooter Ellie Bird was outstanding, shooting 98 percent (44 from 45).
The Mystics top the table with 31 points, while the Tactix and Steel are on 27, Stars 25, Pulse 18 and Magic 9.
With two rounds to play before the top-three playoffs, the Stars have the Steel and Magic to play, needing to win both to secure a spot in the final three.
RNZ
