Victory's hard work for Magic

TACTIX48 MAGIC50

Sunday News Back Page, May 3

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THE Magic may have put another win on the board in the ANZ Championship but it was by no means vintage stuff as they battled to a two-point win over the Tactix in Christchurch yesterday.

Both teams had a lot to prove after last week when the Tactix lost in extra time to the Thunderbirds and the Magic suffered a shock 11-goal loss to the Firebirds in Brisbane.

"It's really good to come out with a win. I think we copped a lot of criticism during the week, so it was just really nice to be able to come out and play some quality netball at home in New Zealand," Magic captain Joline Henry said.

The Magic came out stronger, and while they lacked fluidity at times took a 13-9 goal lead after the first quarter. But they looked stilted on attack and had to work for every pass, their usual speed and skill throughout court stifled by good mid-court and circle defence from the Tactix.

The Tactix midcourters Julie Seymour and Maree Bowden looked faster and sharper and gave some quality ball to their shooters.

Magic goal attack Maria Tutaia took on a huge amount of responsibility as she put up more shots than Irene van Dyk in the first half, with 13 from 14.

With the Magic only 25-22 ahead at halftime, Magic coach Noeline Taurua treplaced Tutaia with 21-year-old Jess Tuki. She came on strongly and van Dyk's accuracy kept the Magic ahead.

With one quarter to play they held a two-goal lead, but with five minutes to play the Tactix had tied it up and it was a battle of who could survive the pressure. An intercept from Casey Williams in the last 30 seconds with the Magic one goal ahead sealed the deal for the visitors.

The win was not always pretty for the Magic and it will send a few worries into the camp as they have gone from the sublime against the Swifts two weeks ago, to a team that looks cautious and a long way off the form they should be in considering their virtual Silver Ferns line-up.

- © Fairfax NZ News