A damaging first quarter propelled the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic to a 54-37 win over the Central Pulse in the ANZ Championship netball match played in Hamilton today.
The Magic could not match the clinical efficiency of their first quarter for the duration of the game but the 14-goal buffer ensured they enjoyed a comfortable platform against a brave challenge from the Pulse.
The Magic had the luxury of rearranging their attack line in the final quarter as bench players Keisha Grant, Nicola Pettit and Halana Leith were given their opportunity to impress.
The Magic were quickly out of the blocks, scoring the first five goals while the Pulse had to wait five mintues before notching their first. Largely error-free throughout the first quarter, the Magic dazzled as they dominated all facets of the early play.
Laura Langman and Amigene Metcalfe had a free run of the midcourt, their interaction enabling a perfect set-up on the edge of the circle while shooting ace Irene van Dyk was back to her best with an impeccable display. Van Dyk had only one miss during the entire game.
At the other end of the court, uncompromising defence from Casey Williams, Jodi Tod and Joline Henry placed the Pulse attackers under all sorts of pressure as they struggled to get the ball goal-bound.
In complete control and seemingly headed for a huge score, the Magic went into the first break 18-4 ahead.
Seven positional changes by the Pulse provided a complete contrast to the second quarter as the visitors put the brakes on the previously free-scoring Magic.
The switch of England international Sonia Mkoloma out to goal defence helped the Pulse’s flow through the court while she also did some sterling work in the circle.
Teenaged shooter Amber Bellringer grew in stature for the Pulse to keep the strugglers in the hunt with a steady stream of goals.
Defensively the Pulse pressured the Magic into error. Failing to adapt to the Pulse’s positional changes caused hesitancy on attack and some moments of loose play from the home team, who laboured their way through the court.
In a complete contrast, the Pulse turned their faltering first quarter around to win the second by one goal as the Magic headed into halftime still handily placed at 27-14 ahead.
The Pulse continued to hold their own in the early stages of the third quarter before the Magic rediscovered their touch.
Williams, who was impressive throughout, picked off some good intercept ball from the Pulse attackers while Langman had a standout allround game and was a bundle of creativity through the midcourt.
Both teams were guilty of numerous turnovers but the calibre of the Magic team ensured they were never seriously threatened when they led 43-26 at threequarter time.
Mkoloma and in-form defender Cushla Lichtwark were tireless and effect foilers for the Pulse.
In Saturday's other game, the Queensland Firebirds defeated the West Coast Fever 65-46.