Netball: Magic throw away opportunity

Magic 42 Force 47

The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic may have kissed goodbye to a golden opportunity to host a home semifinal after being outplayed yesterday by a Force outfit who punched above their weight to take an upset win 47-42.

Recurring unforced errors left the Magic needing a Houdini act to fight back from a four-goal deficit at the end of the third quarter. As the match progressed, so did the amount of good ball thrown away by the Magic.

Long-range passes to the heavily-marked Irene van Dyk in the shooting circle led to more self-inflicted pressure.

Magic captain van Dyk said: "We threw some hideous ball away and [we] just [need more] patience while on attack."

Magic coach Noelene Taurua said her team was outplayed. "We were beaten by a better team, maybe even a hungrier team," she said.

It was do or die for the Force, who needed a win to keep them in the hunt for a semifinal berth.

"I feel relieved, but also because the team is finally coming together. It had to happen today," said Force coach Yvonne Willering.

"This was about making the semifinals. Obviously, I'd have liked either the one or two position because we'd have gotten an extra life."

Magic goal attack Tanya Lund was left unmarked in the circle for much of the game as Force defenders Leana de Bruin and Lorna Suafoa double-teamed van Dyk. Lund's inexperience in the National Bank Cup left her exposed, particularly in the first half.

Her inconsistent shooting form meant she was able to muster only 65 per cent accuracy. Her indifferent performance also left the Magic staff with much to contemplate, as she struggled to capitalise on the space given.

Taurua believes Lund needs to be more confident when putting up shots. "She needs to make sure she balances with everything."

At the other end of the court, Magic player Casey Williams defended valiantly against the Force's Suafoa, often retrieving ball earmarked for certain goals - and she was named man of the match.

Force goal attack Megan Dehn converted much of her team's hard work into points and was full of praise for her team's performance.

"We knew we had to win and have kind of been building all season," Dehn said.