Steel coach Reinga Bloxham was searching for consistency from her side in its opening game of the pre-season tournament in Otaki yesterday and she got something even better — composure.
The Steel defeated the Northern Mystics 62-57 in a tense match. Both teams had their noses in front at various stages but it was the Steel which finished the match more strongly.
The southern team trailed 33-31 at halftime and nursed a slim one-goal lead at the third quarter break.
"It was a tight game and I think I was happiest with the way we held our composure, especially towards the end," Bloxham said.
"We went through our processes and looked after possession to grind the game out."
"I thought our defence was pretty good at times.
Kate Heffernan made a solid contribution in that area with a couple of turnovers and twin sister Georgia Heffernan came on and shot well.
The Steel went down 42-25 to Central Pulse in the late game.
