Netball: Magic set to host Fiji Pearls

IN-COMING: The Kia Magic will play two pre-season matches in Taupo and Tokoroa next year. Pictured is Magic shooter Jo Harten. PHOTO/BEN FRASER A-270414BF10

The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic are gearing up for a busy ANZ Championship pre-season with the announcement of two warm-up matches in Taupo and Tokoroa.

Both games will be against the Fijian national netball team in February.

The Fiji Pearls will travel to New Zealand to play Kia Magic in Taupo on February 19 and in Tokoroa on February 21.

Magic chief executive Tim Hamilton said the matches were a great way to prepare for the start of the ANZ Championship season.

"To be able to host a national netball team like Fiji is a privilege for us and we are thrilled to be able to take these matches to the wider Waikato region," he said.

The Pearls will travel to the Waikato just one month after partaking in the inaugural Pacific Series against the Silver Ferns and Samoa in January.

Kia Magic's first match in the ANZ Championship is one week after the matches against Fiji where they will take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Australia on February 28.