Close call but Magic make it two-from-two against Tactix
Superior finishing touches helped WBOP Magic make it two in a row against the SilvermoonTactix when they posted a hard-fought 48-47 win in the Super Sunday clash in Christchurch today.
Four days after clinching a seven-goal win over the same opponents, Magic were pushed hard in the rematch but their big-name players of defender Casey Kopua, midcourter Samantha Sinclair and accurate shooter Lenize Potgieter event
The Tactix were better second time around, managing to secure a crucial bonus point, and threatened throughout the second half to consistently close the gap, but ultimately paid dearly for untidy lapses and a lack of shooting accuracy.
The Tactix opted to start with the tall shooting duo of Ellie Bird and Kate Beveridge while the Magic went with a settled unchanged starting seven.
After a frenetic start by both, highlighted by a flurry of early turnovers, it was the Magic who settled best. The speed of Magic’s through-court transition, led by centre Sinclair, was impressive, while import shooter Potgieter picked up where she left off a few days ago with an almost flawless start.
At the other end, captain Kopua and the tall figure of goalkeeper Kate Lloyd caused the Tactix shooters plenty of problems under the hoop.
The Tactix did well to peg back an early deficit but the familiar problem of shooting concerns returned to plague the team, a late flourish pushing the Magic out to a 13-10 lead at the first quarter break.
Brooke Leaver took over the responsibilities of goal attack for the home but the Tactix made a horror start when let down by a series of loose plays.
Magic pushed out to a healthy eight-goal advantage and looked set to leave a significant imprint before the Tactix dynamic defensive duo of Jane Watson and Temalisi Fakahokotau wove their magic to provide extra opportunities.
The pair helped the Tactix remain in the contest despite Magic taking a handy 28-22 lead into half-time with up-and-coming goal attack Monica Falkner playing a decisive support role for Potgieter.
As has become their custom, the Tactix are capable of delivering strong second half performances and set about on that course with an impressive third quarter.
There was a considerable lift across all areas from the Tactix with midcourters Kimiora Poi and Erikana Pedersen providing Bird with plenty of opportunities.
Magic got their hands to a lot of defensive ball but their conversion rates slipped a little as the home team surged back into the contest.
Still under considerable pressure, Leaver and Bird held their own to help the Tactix draw within two when the Magic led 38-36 at the last turn, while paving the way for an exciting finish.