Tactix 49
The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic limped into the top four of the trans-Tasman netball league in less than convincing style tonight, edging out a gallant Canterbury Tactix 53-49 in Rotorua.
The Magic, who had lost their last two matches, did not put forward a compelling case that they would be playoff contenders against a bottom-placed Tactix side ravaged by injuries but one which caused the star-studded franchise all sorts of problems.
It took until the fourth quarter for the Magic to finally edge clear of a stubborn Tactix who had shown fortitude to battle back into contention after a sluggish start in an error-ridden match.
The win lifts the Magic to third place in the league and they should maintain their position in the top four when they face the underperforming Southern Steel in Invercargill on Sunday.
It appeared to be plain sailing for the Magic after a first quarter in which they pushed out to a 15-11 lead, but the Tactix, who gave 23-year-old centre Kiley Hikawai her first start of the season, battled back in a strong second quarter to level the match at 25-25.
It came even as Tactix wing defence Finau Pulu was forced to sit on the sidelines for three goals late in the half after being penalised for repeated offside offences.
Their revival prompted Magic coach Noeline Taurua into four changes at the break, but with Donna Wilkins proving a handful in the circle and the defensive pairing of Charlotte Kight and Anna Galvan disrupting play, they were tied at 38-38 heading into the decisive fourth quarter.
It appeared the match would be headed for a repeat of their fourth round match which went into overtime before the Magic prevailed, but it was not to be.
The Tactix, who were without the injured import Kasey Evering and hard-working midcourter Phillipa Finch, wilted and the Magic took advantage - scoring four of the first five goals and from there they were never headed.
Wilkins was superb for the beaten Tactix, landing all of her 30 attempts at goal, and Irene van Dyk was as accurate as ever making 35 of her 36 shots.
The loss means the Tactix, who have yet to beat the Magic in eight attempts, remain rooted at the foot of the trans-Tasman table with three games left in their season.
The Magic, meanwhile, are in must-win mode with matches against the Steel, away to the Adelaide Thunderbirds and home against the Central Pulse to determine whether they feature in the playoffs.
