Netball: Magic poised to break Cup curse

Amegine Metcalfe has had plenty of success with the Waikato NPC team. Picture / Fotopress

Three times in the last five years the name Waikato has been inscribed on netball's national provincial championship trophy.

But that success has never transposed over to the National Bank Cup where their best result has been third.

That may be about to change.

Barring disaster against the bottom-of-the-table Capital Shakers tonight the Magic are poised to qualify top in the tightest competition of the cup's eight-year history.

Such is the battle that six-time champions the Sting must beat the Flames tonight to book a semifinal spot.

And even if the Sting do make it the signs are pointing to change in cup supremacy.

Having the services of shooting ace Irene van Dyk would be a bonus for any side but the Magic's success this season - they've lost only once against the Rebels - can be attributed to three things.

First, the rise of goal attack Anna Senio. Senio has always been handy under the post but this year she has really worked hard at taking the pressure off van Dyk by being more available and willing to put up shots.

Second, Laura Langman, Casey Williams and Joline Henry continue to grow in confidence each year. Langman and Williams especially have been standout performers in the competition.

Last, the side have eliminated errors. Gone are the stressed balls into van Dyk which made easy pickings for defenders.

Magic co-captain Amigene Metcalfe, an original member, said although her side have always had the players it has taken a while to build relationships on court.

"The National Bank Cup is a completely different competition and has a completely different intensity than the national provincial championships.

"This year we are all in the same place and are working in the same direction."

Although the league has been tight, Metcalfe - mum to 13-month-old Jorja and a part-time school teacher, says there has been a lot of inconsistency throughout the teams because of a high injury toll.

"You see a team play a really good game one week then a messy one the next. Hopefully the semis will be a little less erratic."

Despite their convincing win over the Diamonds in round one, Metcalfe rates them as her side's toughest opponents.

"Both teams played really good quality netball in that first-up game ... the intensity really sort of hit everyone."

Metcalfe concedes it is a comfort knowing they are already assured a semifinal spot but says the best from her side is yet to come.

"In the majority of our games we do some nice stuff but when you are winning you are always looking at ways to improve and I guess turnovers have been an issue."

National Bank Cup round seven

Tonight: Canterbury Flames v Southern Sting, Christchurch 7.30pm (delayed coverage on One Sport, tomorrow at 4pm); Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic v Capital Shakers, Hamilton 7.30pm.
Sunday: Northern Force v Flyers, North Shore 1pm; Otago Rebels v Auckland Waitakere Diamonds, Dunedin 1pm.