Magic see-saw to trans-Tasman netball win

Apr 11, 2015 - 6:07 AM Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic see-sawed their way to a 63-57 victory over Southern Steel in Saturday's trans-Tasman netball league clash in Invercargill.

Coming off last week's 11-goal loss to Central Pulse, the Magic lacked consistency but shut out the win to consolidate second place on the New Zealand conference ladder behind leaders Northern Mystics.

The two teams matched each other goal for goal early on, but the Magic sank 10 goals to the Steel's three in the closing five minutes to take a 20-13 lead into the first break.

Steel circle defenders Phoenix Karaka and Storm Purvis struggled to rein in Jo Harten and Ellen Halpenny, conceding too many penalties as the mobile Magic shooters found space and accuracy.

At the other end of the court, towering Steel shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit were kept under constant pressure.

Experienced Silver Ferns defender Leana de Bruin and rookie goal keep Kristiana Manua'a proved a formidable combination, with Fowler-Reid's accuracy suffering as she managed a sub-par 10 shots from 15 attempts.

The Steel regathered to win the second quarter 17-14, trailing 30-34 at halftime after lifting their through-court defence to pressure the Magic's drive to the circle edge.

The Magic rebounded in the third stanza, however, young centre Sam Sinclair combining well with canny wing attack Grace Rasmussen to provide variety and tempo with their feed into the circle.

The Magic took the quarter 16-10 to lead 50-40 with 15 minutes remaining, and looked to have the match under control until the Steel stormed back in the final spell.

A five-goal run early on took them to within six but, although they reduced that margin to four with five minutes remaining, the Magic's composure under pressure saw them home.

Source: AAP