Netball ANZ Premiership 2025: Magic lose battle against Tactix in Christchurch

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic will take on the Pulse in Tauranga on Saturday. Photo / John Cowpland, Michael Bradley photography

The Magic showed heart and determination in Christchurch, pushing the Tactix in a competitive contest, but just fell short in the end as the home side took a 68–57 win.

Both teams had plenty to play for in this Round 9 clash, the Tactix chasing maximum points to keep their hopes of hosting the grand final alive.

Meanwhile, the Magic were determined to disrupt the race and continue building momentum in their penultimate match.

The Magic had a confident start to the match, applying pressure to upset the Tactix’s flow early.

Turnovers forced by the defensive unit allowed the visitors to edge ahead in the opening minutes, before the home side settled into their rhythm late in the first quarter.

Wing defence player Georgie Edgecombe was a standout through the midcourt, working tirelessly to slow the Tactix transition and force errors.

In the attacking end, Magic shooters remained composed under pressure, with captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio once again leading from the front.

Ekenasio nailed six of eight super shots, while the team collectively sank seven two-pointers to stay within striking range through the second half.

Despite a strong response from the Magic after halftime, including a 13-goal quarter that forced a tactical timeout from the home side, the Tactix held firm.

Their experienced defensive duo of Jane Watson and Karin Burger made life tough in the circle, while Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Ellie Bird led a clinical attack, supported by the feeding accuracy of Erikana Pedersen.

While the result didn’t end up the Magic’s way, their persistence, two-point shooting accuracy and second-half fight were on full display.

The team is still fifth on the ladder with two wins, two bonus points and eight points total, behind the Steel with 14 points and just ahead of the Stars with three points.

The Magic are now preparing to play the Pulse in Tauranga on Saturday.