ROUND 14 SET TO SIZZZZZZZLE!

3rd July 2009 - ANZ

Had enough excitement yet? Hey, we’re only warming up here at the ANZ Championship!

We’re biased of course, but we didn’t need more proof of the competition’s capacity for surprises, reversals, recoveries &  fightbacks.  Not to mention its ability to make otherwise calm and sensible people scream their heads off in the stands and in front of TVs around Australia and New Zealand.

If the jury was ever out on that score, last weekend’s Rivalry Round brought them in to deliver a clear verdict: this competition is hot, hot, hot! (Catch the Rivalry Round highlights on our home page video, courtesy of SKY Sport.)

Take a bow our ten sensational teams whose outstanding on-court performances are turning heads, boosting crowds and setting broadcast audience records on both sides of the Tasman.

It says much about them and the competition that it will take four of the last five matches in the 2009 regular season to decide who will play who, and where, in the Finals Series.

And don’t expect the fifth game, Mercury Energy Tactix v LG Mystics tomorrow in Christchurch, to be anything less than highly competitive.  Mystics make a habit of putting their fans’ heart health at risk: they’ve won or lost seven games this season by one, two or four goals, and won their  Round 9 encounter with Tactix by one goal . Tactix, however, are playing at home, have beaten two Australian teams above them, West Coast Fever & Queensland Firebirds and thoroughly extended  the Adelaide Thunderbirds, now secure in third place.

Voters in our Latest Poll seem to think they’ve got the Finals Series sussed now, with 44% selecting Magic, Vixens, Thunderbirds, Steel in 1-4 order. Check out the latest Poll results here and, If you agree, or disagree, make sure you have your say on our home page -  please scroll down, just a little).

Our Poll voters have been impressively accurate on most questions this season, but given the results of Round 13, and the high stakes pressure of Round 14, all outcomes remain equally possible. 

Our advice is sit back, strap in and enjoy the hottest game in town – then buy your Finals Series tickets here!

Pictured: Vixens shooter Caitlin Thwaites & Magic defender Casey Williams in thrilling Round 10 action. Both teams now strive for the Minor Championship and the right to host Semi-Final 1. (PHOTO: Michael Bradley)
 

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