Netball: Magic easily win season opener

Magic shooter Ellen Halpenny (pictured) was in the thick of things during the Magic's first win of the 2014 season. Photo/File

A new-look Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic team opened their 2014 ANZ Championship account with a forceful 70-46 win over the Mainland Tactix in Christchurch.

Undergoing the most changes of any of the 10 teams in the competition, the Magic put an indifferent pre-season behind them with an impressive first outing on Saturday.

Rotorua's Samantha Sinclair also made her debut in the ANZ Championship, coming on late for the Magic.

Magic were unwavering in their intent, maintaining high intensity and hunger throughout the match as they dominated across the court.

Enjoying plenty of ball, shooters Ellen Halpenny and Jo Harten proved accurate under the hoop, missing just four of their 74 attempts.

England international Harten just failed to record a perfect match with 41 from 42 attempts.

New shooting recruit Mwai Kumwenda, a Malawi international, has become the first player from the East African-country to play in the ANZ Championship and she didn't disappoint for the Tactix early on.

Showing athletic ability in the air, Kumwenda and Julianna Naoupu proved a good combination.

However, Magic upped the tempo with four goals in a row, pushing into the lead.

At the other end of the court, Silver Ferns defensive duo of captain Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin put the squeeze on the Tactix shooters.

A powerful finish to the quarter gave the Magic a handy 19-12 lead at the first break.

Magic exploded into a position of control during a dominant second quarter.

The relentless Magic continued into the third stanza with teenager Jamie-Lee Price taking over at wing defence, from Bessie Manu.

The hosts lost a lot of their early spark, with turnovers climbing. Magic dined out on the extra possession and their dominance grew to a 55-33 advantage at the last break. Magic came home strongly, winning the match 70-46.