Netball: Seymour eager for Magic act

Julie Seymour can't wait to have a crack at Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.

And it seems both Magic and her Canterbury Flames team want the same things from their National Bank Cup clash in Christchurch tonight - a good start and a win.

Neither team started well in their respective outings last week and while Magic still managed to come through with a win over Shakers, Flames had to be content with a bonus point against Diamonds.

However, even that disappointing loss hasn't dampened Seymour's enthusiasm. The experienced former Silver Fern returned to the court this year after time out for family and she can't wait to face off against Magic tonight.

"I'm absolutely loving it - I've only played two games but I really enjoyed the build- up and training. It's nice to get started."

Consistency will be key for Flames, according to Seymour.

"So far we've had some really good quarters in our games and some really bad ones and in this competition you're not going to win that way ... I've played for years and getting a good start really helps.

"It's hard yakka playing catch-up netball and it only gives the opposition more confidence when you start badly."

Just like Magic, Flames have this week sought better preparation pre-match in an effort to ensure a better start to the game.

Seymour may well face two Magic centres during tonight's clash.

The 2005 National Bank Cup winners have been playing both Silver Fern Laura Langman and national squad member Liana Barrett- Chase who offer different styles.

Compared with Seymour, both are relatively inexperienced but she doesn't take any opponent lightly.

"Everyone I play is younger than me.

"I love the challenge of playing the best because it tests you and Laura and Liana are both up-and-coming players.

"There seem to be a lot of younger ones coming through."

So what does Seymour expect from Magic?

"I think they're a pretty similar team to the last couple of years so obviously at the defensive end they're very rangy and agile, really hungry and tenacious so on attack we've got to be really on to our game.

"They've got speedy midcourters and obviously Irene van Dyk at the other end, the best shooter in the world."

Most teams place a major focus on stopping the ball from getting to van Dyk because, as Seymour knows, more often than not once it's in her hands she'll score.

However, while Flames may not have any secret weapons, they do have Vilimaina Davu anchoring their defence and offering some major resistance.

"We're so glad she's on our team, she's a first rate goal keep," said Seymour of her co- captain.

"But there are seven people on court and we can't just rely on her."

While it's always nice to play at home Seymour doesn't set much store by the so- called home advantage.

"This will be our second home game and so far our record is win/ away, lose/home ... we'll be trying to turn that around [tonight]."

Flames coach Margaret Foster rates her team's chances against Magic and the visitors coach, Noeline Taurua, is wary.

"We will need to be on our game," Taurua said.

"And we need to ensure that all the ball we secure in our attacking end, we put through the hoop."

She is seeking better mental preparation from her players going into tonight's clash.

Along with an underdone start, preparation was an area she felt was lacking in her team last week.

In other National Bank Cup round three matches Shakers play Flyers in Palmerston North tonight while Sting are up against Rebels in Invercargill tomorrow and Force clash with Diamonds at North Shore in Sunday's live televised match.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)