Magic get top class final match practice

The Magic will be put through their paces today against a high-quality side comprising Silver Ferns and New Zealand under-21 players in preparation for Friday's National Bank Cup final.

The Magic took the direct route to the final on Friday last week after beating the Force 55-48 in the first of the playoff matches.

The team had a fitness training session on Tuesday and did some skill-based work on Thursday.

Magic coach Noeline Taurua says the aim of today's match in Te Awamutu is to keep her players "on their toes".

She says they have put the disappointment of missing out on a home final - after Netball New Zealand rejected Tauranga's Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre as a suitable venue - and are focused on bringing the cup to the Waikato-Bay of Plenty region.

"It was disappointing and very emotional. But now we are at the stage where we just need to play no matter where the game is. I guess it has given us a bit more steel, though."

While Taurua admits the Youth Centre is a bit "cramped", her side have always enjoyed playing there.

"The atmosphere is awesome. Because the seating is so low and everyone is crammed in, as soon as you walk in you can feel it."

For all that, she thinks the side play better away.

The Magic's last ditch appeal to host the final as the top qualifiers was yesterday turned down by Netball New Zealand.