Magic's youthful input shocks Thunderbirds

PERFECT START: The Kia Magic are off to a winning start to the 2015 season. Pictured is Magic shooter Jo Harten.PHOTO/BEN FRASER

The under-rated Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic opened their 2015 campaign in style after pulling off an important 45-44 away win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

The two sides met on Saturday in Adelaide to start the eighth edition of the ANZ Championship.

With the youngest team in the competition, and inspirational captain Casey Kopua sidelined long-term with injury, few rated the Magic's chances this year.

Well led by veteran campaigner Leana de Bruin, Magic turned on a big second half to turn around a two-goal deficit before powering into a six-goal lead during the final stanza.

The more experienced Thunderbirds chased valiantly and produced a nail-bitting finish to close the gap but were left disappointed with their first-up home court efforts.

The Magic unleashed two game-breaking youngsters on Saturday in defender Kristiana Manu'a and exciting shooter Malia Paseka.

The introduction of Paseka for the second half and the improving confidence of rookie goalkeeper Manu'a - who has helped fill the void left by injured skipper Kopua - paid dividends for the Magic.

With the Magic sitting on a lowly 62 per cent shooting return for the first half, Paseka took over from Ellen Halpenny and her strong athletic movement and shooting accuracy made a big impact.

Equally at the other end, fellow youngster Manu'a, new to this level of competition and making the starting line-up in her first match, formed a potent defensive combination with de Bruin.

- Statistics:

Magic shooting: Jo Harten 25/34 (74 per cent), Malia Paseka 14/18 (78 per cent), Ellen Halpenny 6/13 (per cent).

Thunderbirds shooting: Carla Borreg 23/32 (72 per cent), Erin Bell 21/25 (84 per cent).

Match MVP: Leana de Bruin (Magic).