Netball: Magic win lifts Aitken's spirits

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken was impressed by the Magic's dominant display against the Swifts last night. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Silver Ferns netball coach Ruth Aitken could be forgiven for having a extra gleam in her eye this morning.

With five tests against Australia scheduled for later this year, Aitken took more than a passing interest in last night's transtasman league clash between Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic and defending champions NSW Swifts.

For the first time in four games, the Magic - thumped by the Swifts 65-56 in last year's grand final - beat their Australian rivals, although the 63-45 win could probably better be described as a systematic destruction.

Never one to get too carried away, Aitken said she could only describe the win as impressive.

"They started superbly, and although I didn't think the Swifts seemed to be at their best, that was probably because the Magic just didn't allow them to be," Aitken said.

She was reluctant to single out any particular player, although the efforts of the Magic goal shooters - headed by another Irene van Dyk 100 per cent effort - did rate a mention.

"But I think to beat a quality team like the Swifts, everyone has to be right at the top of their game."

So while Silver Ferns goal keep Casey Williams was in outstanding form, picking off intercepts at will, Aitken said the work done further up the court putting pressure on the ball was equally important.

"The defence was just terrific," Aitken said.

The Magic took control last night from the first whistle, and led by an astonishing 19-7 at the end of the first quarter. Ahead 32-19 at halftime, and 48-32 with 15 minutes to go, Magic coach Noeline Taurua had the luxury of using her bench in the final spell, with Leana de Bruin, Jess Tuki and Nicola Pettit all getting a run.

However, Aitken is wary of getting too carried away on the back of one good result.

"There's still a long way to go in the competition, and I think the Australian teams are looking really strong."

The Silver Ferns begin their international schedule in August this year with three tests against an invitation world team comprising players from Jamaica, Africa, England, Australia and Samoa.

Five tests against arch-rivals Australia will be split into two series in September, with three transtasman tests in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and home matches in Invercargill and Auckland.

- NZPA