Waikato-BOP Magic 72 Canterbury Tactix 52
The damage was done early and late as the Magic crushed the hapless Tactix in a lopsided transtasman match yesterday.
The Magic are New Zealand's best chance at title success and they improved their season record to seven wins and one loss, moving them level with the competition-leading New South Wales Swifts. However, the Swifts will leap to the top of the table if they beat the Queensland Firebirds in Sydney tomorrow.
It was another effortless win for the Magic, who improved on their 56-44 defeat of the winless Central Pulse last week.
The Waikato-Bay of Plenty side showed signs of rust through the middle quarters but were dominant in the opening stanza, racing to an 18-10 lead.
They were 35-25 clear by halftime and 51-38 leading into the final quarter, which heralded their best attacking work of the game as they rattled on 21 goals.
The hosts were a class above in all facets against the Tactix. It wasn't unexpected, given Canterbury haven't won since their opening-week defeat of the Pulse and have suffered some heavy defeats in recent weeks.
There was further bad news late in the game when captain Maree Bowden limped off, with the midcourter favouring her leg after an awkward fall.
There was no such drama for the Magic. Coach Noeline Taurua was able to experiment with personnel to replace Australian defender Peta Scholtz, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last weekend.
A surprise figure to don the goal keep bib in the final quarter was specialist shooter Jess Tuki, who put in a credible display and got the thumbs up from captain Laura Langman.
"She's actually a natural down there, so I'm looking forward to her development as a 'keeper," Langman said.
Earlier, Kahurangi Waititi performed the goal keep role, combining well with Silver Ferns captain Casey Williams.
Others to shine for the winners were midcourters Langman and Frances Solia, while goal shoot Irene van Dyk was as lethal as ever, slotting 48 from 50 shots.
Tactix goal attack Anna Thompson had her best outing of the season, moving well and shooting 32 from 36.
Bowden admitted the Magic were too slick with the ball. "They're really quick on attack and they've got really great links," she said.
The other all-New Zealand match in round nine sees the Northern Mystics at home to the Pulse tomorrow.
- NZPA
