The Tactix were down by four at the three-quarter break, but dominated the final quarter to clinch the South Island derby in the final seconds, handing the Steel its eighth consecutive loss and plenty to think about as it approaches its final two games of the season.
The introduction of Adine Wilson to the Steel midcourt in the third quarter did not have quite the impact Steel co-coaches would have hoped for, and Steel captain Jodi Brown said the team probably did not adjust as well as it could have.
"We have practised with that combination. Adine has played with me and Donna and we had confidence in it," she said.
"But we needed to capitalise on our turnovers and we probably didn't adjust to the new combination when it came on.
"They did a really good job of disrupting us off the ball and that was an issue for us - it wears you down. We have been renowned for not giving up but, in the end, we probably conceded to their intense defensive pressure. We need to make sure we keep fighting."
The Steel had lost its previous seven matches, the Tactix their last eight, and it was clear from the outset of the match that both sides wanted this win badly.
The Steel started the match well as Brown and shooting partner Donna Wilkins combined well in the circle and slotted their shots impressively.
Shannon Francois marked her return from an ankle injury with a good start at wing attack, feeding her shooters well and adding a strong midcourt presence and Hayley Saunders lifted the defensive effort.
But the Tactix were heaping full-court pressure on every ball and, despite being guilty of plenty of first-quarter penalties, were forcing mistakes from the Steel.
The Tactix shooting combination of Ellen Halpenny and English international Jo Harten was strong throughout the match with the latter creating plenty of space in the circle to secure valuable ball and convert it. Harten's height and accuracy proved a formidable challenge for the Steel defenders, but the southerners clung to a 35-31 heading into the second half.
The third quarter started at a frenetic pace with the two sides evenly poised.
The crowd broke into rapturous applause with the introduction of Wilson at centre for the Steel. Phillipa Finch moved to wing defence in place of Saunders. It was a move that took time to settle, but the Steel still looked comfortable going into the final stanza four goals ahead.
But a determined Tactix side was not about to give up. Buoyed by a strong defensive effort spearheaded by tenacious Bessie Manu, at the other end of the court Harten and Halpenny converted any possession.
After trailing the entire match, the Tactix snatched the lead when it mattered most, inflicting heartbreak on the home side.
Tactix v Steel
The scores
Tactix 62
Ellen Halpenny (21/26) Jo Harten (41/44)
Steel 61
Donna Wilkins (37/39) Jodi Brown (24/28)
(Steel scores first): Quarter 16-15, half 35-31, third quarter 49-45, final 61-62
- Jerrie Andrews.
