KEY POINTS:
The New South Wales Swifts inflicted Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic's first loss in the transtasman netball league in Newcastle today.
Magic went down 47-50 in the third round ANZ Championship match after an error-ridden performance in which they gifted the Swifts numerous turnovers.
One of the worst culprits was midcourter Amigene Metcalfe, who personally accounted for at least 12 turnovers as the Magic played catchup for much of the game.
They were in front twice but only briefly on both occasions as veteran Australian goal shoot Catherine Cox put on a consummate display for the winners.
Cox overcame the best endeavours of Magic defender Casey Williams to have a huge influence on the outcome, repeatedly making the Magic pay for their mistakes as she found her range.
The Magic midcourt was inconsistent from the outset when coach Noeline Taurau surprised by starting Silver Ferns centre Laura Langman at wing defence, with Nicola Cooney donning the centre's bib.
The ploy did not work as Australian representative Selina Gilsenan dominated Cooney, forcing Taurua to make a switch after the first quarter.
With the Swifts ahead 10-9, Langman was shifted to centre, a move which led to a better transfer of ball through court although it did not lead to the result Taurua wanted.
The Swifts, who lost their second match of the season to Canterbury Tactix, continued to shade the Waikato-Bay of Plenty outfit, leading 24-22 at halftime and 37-36 with one quarter remaining.
The New Zealanders won the third quarter 14-13 but when it mattered most New South Wales stepped up to the plate, improving their advantage to four goals with eight minutes to go.
Magic goal shoot Irene van Dyk and goal attack Maria Tutaia continued to share the workload in the circle, Tutaia proving accurate from range while her more experienced colleague came in for close attention from the Swifts defenders.
The Magic sliced the deficit to one goal with 2min remaining before Cox sunk a crucial goal despite leaning out of court as she let go of the ball.
The visitors then rued the last of their numerous turnovers as the Swifts regained possession before closing the game out.
Cox said the loss to the Tactix had been a huge wakeup call for her side.
"It's such a close competition that you can't afford to lose any games," Cox told Fox Sport.
"We needed to win this big game to get our confidence back."
Metcalfe said her side was let down by poor decision-making on attack.
"Defensively, we picked up enough ball to win the game but we frittered it away.
"We're definitely not happy with that. We know what we're capable of.
"We've been waiting for it to come for three games now and it's time we get out there and make it happen."
- NZPA
