Magic better tough Tactix

MICHAEL BRADLEY/Fairfax

ONE ON ONE: Magic's Irene Van Dyk and Tactix Sonia Mkoloma in action during the ANZ Champs Netball match between the Magic and Tactix.

Relevant offers

The Magic wanted a tough battle before their sojourn to Australia and they got it last night at Rotorua's Energy Events Centre.

A physical warm-up for tougher games against the West Coast Fever and the Adelaide Thunderbirds was the original plan, but the 50-46 win was never part of the equation.

But the four goal win may be a blessing in disguise for last year's runners-up.

They showed they have the ability to battle a tough, tenaciaous team, and stay composed during the final quarter.

The hosts were only ahead by one at three-quarter time, but it took until the final quarter to knock the stuffing out of the Tactix.

Magic coach Noeline Taurua saw the positives.

"It's two points," she said.

"It's not alarming because we knew it was going to be tough. The error rate was a bit high, but they were individual errors and not errors in structure or game-plan and they can be ironed out."

The high percentage netball of the Tactix always had the potential to mess with the Magic's game and it did the entire night.

There wasn't as much loose ball thrown and as a direct result, the Magic's biggest weapon, Casey Williams - was not as effective. She still put ample pressure on the shot, but her intercept count was comparatively low.

Both sides were physical, but the Tactix seemed to relish the battle more than their hosts.

Bibs were changed by both sides at every opportunity to find the perfect combination, but neither team found the recipe to dominate.

The Tactix' English import Sonia Mkoloma and Charlotte Kight made the Magic's usually easy run to the goal post slow, laboured and difficult.

It was a performance that must have both pleased and annoyed Tactix coach Helen- Mahon-Stroud. Her team are finishing with a hiss and a roar, but their playoff chances are long gone.

Mkoloma was brilliant, as were second half substitutes Anna Thompson and Maree Bowden.

But the Magic's experience in the final quarter was the difference. That and a couple of questionable calls from Paula Fergusson.  

Shooting was the difference. The Magic put up 58 shots - one less than the Tactix.

Quarter Scores: Magic 10 Tactix 10, 23-21, 37-36, 50-46.

Shooting stats: Magic - Irene van Dyk 32/34 94.1%, Maria Tutaia 18/24 75 %, Tactix - Jodi Brown 29/36 80.6 % Angela Mitchell 6/11 54.5 %, Anna Thompson 11/12 91.7 %.

- © Fairfax NZ News