I’ve been a big fan of netball since 1994 when I started watching top level stuff. Different level to that I’d seen on the side of school, Taita, Haitaitai and Minogue courts over the years before that.

Yesterday’s game between the Magic and the Mystics was probably the most exciting non test match I have seen. I didn’t have much skin in the game but the emotional connection was slightly on the Magic side mainly because of my admiration for Irene van Dyke who I’ve known since 1998 at KL, and subsequently I helped encourage her to come to, and stay in, New Zealand. And she was the only Hutt resident playing.

But it wasn’t a Magic day, they won three of the four quarters, were more aggressive on defence and never gave up. But after Froggie went off they just didn’t have the feed into the circle working well enough.

Just about all of the Mystics team was outstanding. Latu and Tutaia shot brilliantly, Henry’s mere presence caused balls to be coughed up, Bubs vision both defensively and offensively reminds me of the value of experience (not that I’m calling her old) but the real brilliance was in defence where Scarlett confirmed that the years of wearing a bikini on the beach have done the impossible and improved her reach and timing.

But the real player of the day for me was Kayla Cullen, who I only first heard of a year ago. She combined with Scarlett to starve Irene of ball. She intercepted the impossible and pressured the shooters. She should be a fern. And soon.

So I haven’t seen making the politician work, don’t care about masterchef, but have watched a truly superb sporting event. Wish I was there.

Those who know me know that netball is my favourite spectator sport – with the exception of any game that involves my kids. Helen told me back in 1993 to go – I did and loved it. There were times that Dallas Seymour and I were the only males at Walter Nash stadium. I’ve had our best expert (Dame Lois Muir) as a tutor and now a friend. I’ve been to about 90% of tests in NZ since then as well as seeing about a dozen offshore. Helen sometimes arranged her John Howard meetings around aussie tests as she grew to love the game as well – and that was as far back as 1996.

I’ve got to know generations of ferns, taken them on tours of parliament including members only areas, helped talk Irene into immigrating, drunk a bit of post series wine, had a few cry on my shoulder over the years, watched romances and babies grow and made some lifelong friends -  I’ve been exceptionally lucky. They are really wonderful women. If the aren’t – or can’t change – they don’t last long. Wish it was that way at work.

The series for the first name on the new Constellation Cup (donated by Aussie and NZ Guvs – good on them) is tied one all. Asked Lois if she thought the Aussies could come back after their 19 point loss on Thursday night. “Of course they can” she said.

There aren’t any seats left for tomorrow. But it is televised at 4pm. We produce better netball TV than anyone else. Our camera people know the sport and can mainly anticipate where the ball is going. If you’ve never watched give it a go.

And go the ferns.

First game of this years ANZ trans tasman netball.

Northern Mystics 55 Adelaide Thunderbirds 52.

First win for Mystics against an Aussie side. 

Tutaia and Latu shot really well. Bubs great but for me the player of the day was Joline Henry whose pressure when she came on was at least the difference between the teams. She also help get the ball up the court in a way that the Mystics couldn’t earlier.

Really good to see Lady Ducky back on the sideline – the Mystics will not want for off court organisation.

For those who haven’t watched top class netball it is on Sky Sport One – about five games a week.

Different game from the Taita courts. Have a look.