Magic 61 Flames 48
After fashioning a healthy eight-goal lead in the first spell, the Canterbury Flames looked the goods to take out the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic on their home patch.
But as the clock wound down, so did the intensity of the Flames, leaving the Magic to settle into their
game plan and apply pressure.
Both sides were guilty of wayward passes in the first quarter - symptomatic of the frenetic pace at which the game began.
Both were anxious to set the rhythm, knowing top billing in the National Bank Cup after the first three rounds was at stake.
The Canterbury shooting team of Jade Topia at goal attack and Shelley Norris at goal shoot, fought well against the combative defense of Joline Henry and Kahu Waititi.
Of particular note was the tussle between Waititi and Norris. Waititi was the antagonist, but Norris stood firm, often finding favour with the referee's whistle as the Magic pair were called for obstruction.
In the second quarter the linkages between the Magic feeders and their shooters became shaky.
Magic centre Laura Langman's deliveries were often found wanting so the defence were able to find their position in the circle.
In the second half, Langman finally found touch with her attack and played more to the standard to which she is accustomed, hitting her straps at the critical period and helping her team notch a convincing win.
The Flames seemed to stall, letting the Magic settle into their own style of play. Unable to capitalise on the strong lead they had fashioned in the first quarter, the visitors' flame blew out as the Magic dominated in the third spell.
Masterful interplay between Irene van Dyk and Tanya Lund saw some quirky yet productive passes result in much-needed points.
The Magic comeback delighted the home crowd, keen to see Rotorua's new Energy Events Centre start its sporting life with a victory.
