The Stars Men and Mystics men have created a piece of netball history in the first televised men's domestic match in Auckland.
The Stars fought valiantly but came up short on the scoreboard, with the Mystics winning 54-45.
The contest was fast paced and showcased the athleticism and flair from both teams as they relished the opportunity to show the world their talents.
Featured in the starting line-ups for the Stars and Mystics at Trusts Arena on Saturday afternoon were a scattering of Aotearoa representatives as both sides made positive starts in the men’s invitational.
There were nervous touches too, with the Mystics settling first and delivering quality ball to their shooter Quintin Gerber.
In the Stars shooting circle, 1.93m captain Maru Delamere displayed his stunning long-range shooting prowess early on, and combined strongly with goal shoot Manese Vaka.
"I'm really proud. We've got a lot of bolters in the team who haven't played on TV let alone with people at home watching them and there's a lot of pressure. This is the opportunity these players get on a platform like this." Delamere said.
Dan Rich, was back on court from an Achilles injury in the Stars’ defensive unit, working alongside the athletic and rangy 2.01m goal keeper Timothy Apisai.
Kruze Tangira, captain of both the Mystics and the New Zealand Men, was one of the major contributors, starting uncharacteristically in the defensive end, during the match.
Tangira was an inspiration, setting the tone immediately with impressive tips and deflections, securing vital possession for the Mystics.
The Mystics men built a seven-goal lead in the second quarter, signaling an early ascendancy.
The Stars responded with a crucial substitution as the prolific Delamere moved from goal attack to goal shoot. Despite an improved effort from the Stars, the Mystics held on to the lead, with a five-goal advantage at the half-time break.
The third quarter was a lopsided one with a massive eleven-goal run for the Mystics, answered by the Stars with a run of their own.
The Mystics held an eight-goal lead heading into the tense last quarter, as the Stars threatened to fight back with excellent shooting from Delamere. The Mystics re-gained control, cruising to a substantial 10-goal victory in a match they led from start to finish.
Tangira said it was a significant opportunity for the men to showcase their skills to a wider audience. The game highlighted the athleticism, speed and skills of the men, and was a brilliant occasion for the athletes who have served as handy opposition and training partners for the women’s ANZ Premiership sides and the Silver Ferns.
