Louisa Wall: History made of stuff like this

They must surely rate as history-making performances - the New Zealand Maori win against the Lions and the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic's National Bank Cup final victory over the Southern Sting.

The Magic, playing in their first final, away from home and in the heart of Southland in spite of being top ranked qualifier, were more than up to the task as their name players re-stated their claim as part of New Zealand's elite.

The Southland crowd and players could not compete against the passion, pride and determination of a team firmly focused on their goal.

In fact the entire venue fiasco seemed to ignite a bundle of energy that exploded and disarmed the Sting.

The Magic outclassed the Sting in all areas and the most telling statistic was the 93 per cent success rate of shooter Irene Van Dyk (57/61) and the faultless shooting of new Silver Fern Anna Senio (8/8) compared with the Sting shooters who averaged late 70 per cent.

Add this to the double-figure intercepts by New Zealand under-21 player Casey Williams in defence and the Magic were unstoppable.

It was good to see their supporters receive a standing ovation from the Southland crowd.

It is also pleasing Netball NZ is seeking policy advice from the franchises regarding the venue policy.

It was a little too late for the Magic this year and the Flames last year but the integrity of the product has to be safeguarded at all times and although Netball NZ showed their inflexibility in this instance, they have opened the door to change which should ensure a similar debacle does not happen again.

And so to the Maori v Lions game, played in Hamilton with the wairua of the Waikato providing the backdrop to what was a magnificent spectacle.

It moved many (including Maori captain Jono Gibbes) to tears of joy - the first NZ Maori win over the tourists.

The atmosphere totally refuted the claim that New Zealand crowds are apathetic and that we can't express ourselves.

Mind you, the Lions supporters certainly all knew the words (other than their collective anthem) to the chants.

What a dream end to the Maori coaching era for Matt Te Pou and Carlos Spencer certainly did himself, his whanau and his fans credit by ending his tenure on the ultimate high in a Maori jersey.

He will be missed and I think that game certainly highlighted his worth and array of skills so all the Carlos knockers please take note and give credit where it is due.

After the match we had an encounter with a couple of Scottish boys, a long way from home and wanting to sing for redemption.

They sang for the honour of Glasgow but were quick to point out that there were probably more Scots in the Maori team given there were none in this Lions side.

So, it seems the Lions do have some internal tension; might this be related to inequitable representation?

The All Blacks look clinical and united and have a great blend of new talent and mature heads.

Bring on the first test.

* Louisa Wall is a former New Zealand netball and rugby representative