Netball: Magic conjure up big win over Sting

Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic handed the Southern Sting their second National Bank Cup netball defeat of the season, thumping the defending champions 56-42 in Invercargill today.

It was just the Magic's second win over the Sting in eight matches.

They now lead the competition on 13 points after their impressive effort at Stadium Southland, while the six-times champions slipped to their second consecutive defeat and are now looking vulnerable as they struggle with injuries to key personnel.

Regular Sting centre and Silver Fern Adine Wilson, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, was on the bench today but is expected to return next week.

A fit Wilson will be welcomed by Sting coach Robyn Broughton whose mid-court failed to assert any authority in either attack or defence.

The absence of regular defender Megan Hutton, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last week, was also evident as the Magic shooting combination of Irene van Dyk and Anna Senio shone through.

After taking the first quarter 13-11, the Magic turned on the after-burners to take the second quarter 30-22 with both van Dyk and Senio shooting with 100 per cent accuracy mid-way through the second quarter.

Too often the Sting mid-court were guilty of throwing long, speculative passes which rarely found their targets, and the Magic profited handsomely from the mistakes.

The visitors extended the lead and effectively sealed the match after winning the third quarter 45-32 as Magic wing attack Amigene Metcalfe and centre Laura Langman provided their shooters with quality ball.

In comparison the Sting shooters did not receive the same level of service, as Magic goal keep Casey Williams produced a stunning performance with numerous intercepts and constant hussle.

Williams, who was named player of the match, provided 12 of the Magic's 20 intercepts compared to the home side's 11.

"We started off really well and were quite dominant. We were anxious knowing that Sting could come bank any time so we've done a really good job," Magic coach Noeline Taurua said.

"Everybody in the side had to step up and they did."

Meanwhile in Wellington tonight, the Flyers posted their first win of the season while possibly consigning the Shakers to the wooden spoon with their 52-47 victory at the Events centre.

The hosts led 12-10 after the first quarter, and had a slim 21-20 halftime lead.

But the Flyers drew level at 36-all after the third quarter and then capitalised on the Shakers loss of composure in the closing minutes to claim a morale boosting win.

- NZPA