Netball: Magic too classy for Steel

Laura Langman. Photo / Getty Images

Julianna Naoupu helped propel the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic to a 51-36 win over her former side the Southern Steel in the trans-Tasman netball league in Rotorua today.

Naoupu, who played six games for the Steel in three years before moving to the Magic this season, returned to haunt her former franchise as the 20-year-old goal attack produced a polished display for her new employers.

She entered the fray early in the second quarter to replace starter Jamilah Gupwell and landed 12 of her 17 attempts to ensure the Magic opened their campaign with a win

Magic midcourter Laura Langman said the variations that new additions Naoupu and Gupwell gave her side had added to their armoury.

"It is great how we can interchange both of them and they both bring very different types of games. It's great to have that versatility," she told Sky Sports.

Naoupu's shooting partner Irene van Dyk was her usual efficient self, succeeding with 36 of her 40 shots.

The Steel were in the hunt at halftime at the Energy Events Centre, trailing by 27-22 but were outscored by 10 goals in the second half.

Steel goal shoot Daneka Wipiiti started well but the Magic defensive duo of Jodi Todd and Casey Williams shut down her options in the second half.

The Southern Steel have now dropped both of their opening matches and only the Adelaide Thunderbirds prevent them from propping up the league table.

They have a good opportunity to open their account for the season against the Central Pulse in Porirua next Saturday, while the Magic face the table-topping Northern Mystics on Thursday in Auckland.

- NZPA