Netball: Magic thump Sting to reach final

Defending champions Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic booked themselves a spot in the National Bank Cup netball final after thumping Southern Sting 61-51 in Invercargill tonight.

Magic were ruthless in the first semifinal at Stadium Southland, leading through all four quarters as they dominated the midcourt while Irene Van Dyk and Tanya Lund were punishing in the shooters circle.

Sting, who finished round-robin play as top qualifiers, have a second chance to reach the June 30 final at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.

They will play the winners of Sunday's second semifinal between Force and Canterbury Flames on June 23 to determine the other finalists.

Both the Magic and Sting were coming off losses in their final round-robin matches, but Magic shook off any rust.

After trading goals early in the first quarter, Magic pulled away to a 19-12 lead.

They maintained their momentum in the second quarter as Sting's defence failed to contain the visiting shooters, who helped establish a 12-goal lead.

Magic's superiority in the midcourt was evident while defender Casey Williams was spoiling the Sting attack.

Ahead 33-23 at halftime they continued the onslaught and effectively sealed the match after the third quarter when they led 51-36.

Sting rallied early in the final quarter, shooting six goals to one to reduce Magic's lead to nine, but the resistance was eventually quelled as the Magic claimed their home final.

- NZPA