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Collingwood have survived their toughest challenge at the Super Club netball tournament, seeing off Northern Mystics 49-42 in a riveting final in Nelson. Having won their previous games by double-figure margins against other Kiwi teams, they were pushed hard by a young Mystics side on Friday, only sealing victory through a burst of late scoring. The Magpies won each of the first three quarters by a single goal but prevailed 13-9 in the last stanza, with veteran goal attack Nat Medhurst's influence obvious. Former Australian Diamond Medhurst was named player of the game but said she was as guilty as the rest of her teammates at failing to adjust to a surprise zone defence employed by the Mystics. "I know I had a few brain explosions at times. It was about having a lot of composure and making some smart decisions," she told Sky Sport NZ. "We just relaxed and we turned over some amazing ball, especially in defence, and we were able to capitalise on it." Australia's Super Netball competition allows for tactical timeouts but that didn't apply this week. It meant Collingwood had to think on the run to overcome a trio of Silver Fern defenders in Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Phoenix Karaka and Sulu Fitzpatrick. "It's different but it's great as well. You have to problem-solve and work your way through things. I actually didn't mind it," Medhurst said. A late miss prevented the 35-year-old from completing a perfect shooting night. She landed 17 from 18 while young Jamaican Shimona Nelson slotted 32 from 37 to finish with 183/200 for the tournament. Coach Rob Wright had made changes in earlier games at the eight-team tournament but responded to the tighter fixture by keeping the same seven on court throughout. Ash Brazil's experience at centre was a calming factor while English goal keeper Geva Mentor finished with three intercepts.
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