The GoSweetSpot Northern Mystics retained the Hobbiton Cup with a 57–37 win over Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Tauranga on Saturday.

This is the Auckland team’s fifth successive title in the annual clash.

While staging the contest in Tauranga for the first time offered fresh surroundings, it did little to shift the balance of power, as the Mystics claimed all four quarters and answered every challenge posed by the home side, according to a match report from the ANZ Premiership website.

Still without injured midcourt pair Tayla Earle and Katie Te Ao, the Mystics were efficient across the court, punishing a Magic side who struggled to find consistent accuracy as both teams hunted their first victory of the season, the report said.

Leading by 10 points at three-quarter time, the visitors stamped their authority with a dominant 17–7 final stanza, rotating personnel and combinations while maintaining relentless pressure.

The Mystics’ shooting circle was particularly impressive, with Maia Wilson, Filda Vui and Sophia Lafaiali‘I missing just five shots between them. By contrast, the Magic were unable to match either the volume or precision of their opponents.

It capped a frustrating night for the Magic, compounded late when defender Oceane Maihi was forced from the court for the final two minutes following an unsafe play ruling.

The hosts initially showed promise, scoring the first three goals of the match and disrupting the Mystics’ attacking flow with a strong defensive effort. However, the early momentum was shortlived as visiting defenders Catherine Hall and Phoenix Karaka tightened their grip on Magic shooters Kate Taylor and Saviour Tui, limiting options and forcing errors.

The Mystics closed the opening quarter strongly to seize a 16–10 lead and continued to build pressure through the second, despite multiple personnel changes by both sides. While Maihi worked tirelessly at the defensive end to generate turnover ball, the Magic attack remained disjointed, leaving feeders with few clean options.

Hall was prolific for the Mystics, finishing with 13 gains and three intercepts, while influential midcourter Peta Toeava dictated play with her vision and composure. With the Magic committing 14 turnovers in the first half, the Mystics took full advantage to carry a 28–19 lead into the main break.

The Magic briefly reignited hope early in the third quarter as their shooting combination showed improved balance, highlighted by Tui’s athleticism and a successful two-pointer that cut the margin to four. Defensive efforts from Georgie Edgecombe, Maihi and Erena Mikaere also provided opportunities.

However, repeated unforced errors and lapses in shooting accuracy proved costly. The Mystics replied with a decisive eight-goal scoring run to deflate the home crowd and restore control, heading into the final break ahead 40–30 before powering to a comprehensive win.

– Content supplied by ANZ Premiership