Going into Round 13 five quality teams continue to fight for a finals birth

With their seasons on the line, the Thunderbirds and the Firebirds are desperate.

The last time these two sides competed, Adelaide were the victors on home soil. Thunderbirds defensive import Geva Mentor combated the scoring power of Romelda Aiken to prove the difference.

With a home crowd behind them, Adelaide will need to adopt a new level of confidence and Natalie Medhurst will need to play a pivotal role. While she shot 94 per cent last week, her volume of 17 was well below par and her contest with Peta Stephens will go a long way in determining the victor of this match.

Auckland will host the second match of the round on as the LG Northern Mystics host the Suzuki Central Pulse. Both teams bring solid form into this clash and although the finals hopes are non-existent for both sides, it’s all about pride in the remaining two rounds.

The Mystics have improved in the second half of the season and will pose a difficult obstacle for the Pulse. The young Pulse shooting combination of Jamilah Gupwell and Susan Tagicakibau has been impressive this season and are on the rapid improve. They will face a daunting task this week as they come up against inform defenders Leana De Bruin and Vilimaina Davu.

On Sunday the West Coast Fever host the SKOPE Canterbury Tactix.

The Fever played three quality quarters last week against the Vixens and while they slipped just off the pace in the final term, it showed just what talent lies within the squad. The Tactix also have a wealth of talent and will be doing everything they can to win across the Tasman.

Fever are a different team at home and with Caitlin Basset coming off a 91 per cent game against the Vixens defence, the Tactix will need to up the pressure.

Monday night netball is set for two blockbusters beginning with a clash in the south between the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel and the ColourPlus Waikato / Bay of Plenty Magic.

The Steel have an opportunity to play a role in shaping the finals. A win over the top of the table leaders could effect where the semi-finals are held.

But it won’t be an easy task for Steel as they face one of the toughest backlines in the competition in Casey Williams, Joline Henry and Laura Langman.

At the other end of the court, Steel spearhead Daneka Wipiiti has been a talking point in netball circles and, her duel with Williams will be a great test for the shooter.

The final match of the round is important in the scheme of things as the second placed Vixens host the third ranked Swifts. In their last encounter, the Vixens stole a one goal victory.

The Swifts have been inform nearing the end of the season and will be hard to beat.

With six Australian squad members and some of the best young talent on the court, this match will once again come down to the wire.

Swifts defender Rebecca Bulley is having a brilliant season relishing her time at the Swifts and has been a pillar of strength in the defensive circle. This week she will face one of the best in the business in Vixens captain Sharelle McMahon.

Round 13 of the ANZ Championship is one not to be missed!