Firebirds pip brave Magic   31 May 2010

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A late charge came up just short for Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic who were pipped 55-54 by the Queensland Firebirds in ANZ Championship netball action in Rotorua on Monday night.

 

Forced to play catch-up for the entire match after a slow start, the Magic's season is now looking a little shaky after a second straight loss has seen them slip to third on the table.

The win has reignited the Firebirds season, as they have move from seventh to fifth on the ANZ Championship table with the prospect of a friendly draw ahead, while the Magic have a tough road home in the regular season.

Still struggling to find their right defensive combination after the loss of Peta Scholz, it was a better effort from the Magic. But again, it was a mixed bag that was highlighted by a lack of consolidation when on a roll.

Goal attack Natalie Medhurst was a pivotal figure for the Firebirds with her control and ability to set up potent shooter Romelda Aiken.

While the Firebirds presented with a predictable line-up, it was a different story for the Magic. Taking a big punt, coach Noeline Taurua opted for shooter-turned-defender Jess Tuki to make her first start at goal defence.

Both teams made measured starts as the teams level-pegged. However, it was the home team which struck trouble initially, as it became bogged down through the midcourt which was not helped by some errant passing.

The Firebirds were able to thread their way through court with relative ease and the towering figure of 196cm Aiken often found herself in prime position under the hoop.

The visitors made the most of their opportunities against a stuttering Magic to take a 19-14 lead into the first break.

Wholesale changes had an immediate impact after the Magic slipped to a seven-goal deficit within minutes of the resumption. Tuki's role was short-lived as Jodi Tod shifted across court, the little-played Elias Shadrock came off the bench into wing defence and shooters Irene van Dyk and Jodi Brown swapped roles.

Enthusiasm levels lifted, producing more drive and impetus from the Magic as they reeled back the deficit with seven unanswered goals to tie the scores midway through the stanza.

Throwing the Firebirds off their stride initially, the Magic were unable to take full toll as the visitors made a strong reply in the latter stages of the quarter. Impressive work on attack from Sarah Wall and the slick service to Aiken, who remained a strong presence, helped the Firebirds retain their lead as they went to halftime 30-27 ahead.

The arm wrestle continued through an absorbing third quarter as momentum swung back and forth. Rock solid defensive pressure from the Firebirds with Laura Geitz and Amy Steel prominent, had the Magic stretched in their ability to get the ball to van Dyk and Brown.

Casey Williams kept the Magic in the frame with some trademark intercepts but time and again the Magic squandered hard-won possession with risky transfers. The home team lacked movement on attack as the Firebirds held firm to keep their noses in front by 43-38 at the last break.

A dramatic final quarter went right to the wire as the Magic fought desperately to break the Firebirds buffer. Time and again the Magic surged, coming to within one goal early in the piece before the Firebirds regained the edge.

Two turnovers in the last 90 seconds gave the home team a glimmer of hope in a frenetic finish as bodies went on the line, but the Magic just could not crack the better finishing of the visitors.

In the Monday night late game in Western Australia, the West Coast fever have posted their third win of a disappointing campaign when they downed the Central Pulse 63-45 at Challenge Stadium.

Fever goal-shooter Caitlin Bassett ended the night with 42 goals to her name but had a struggle on her hands against Pulse goal-keep Katrina Grant just after the main break.

But Bassett's trusty sidekick goal-attack Leah Shoard, once again defied her lack of height to keep the Fever firing on all cylinders, bagging 21 goals from her 29 shots as the West Australians took the honours.

 

SOURCE: Sportal

IMAGES: Getty Images

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