Spirited Kia Magic fall short against Firebirds
Kia Magic will meet the NSW Swifts in the sudden-death Minor Semi-Final after being denied a place in the top two when losing an epic encounter 59-55 to the Queensland Firebirds in Hamilton on Monday.
The upset losses to the Vixens and Swifts in the weekend’s final round of the regular season opened the door for the winner of this match to clinch second spot and a vital second life in the Finals Series.
That added extra spice to the contest where each side threw everything into a physical and passionate match-up.
After some shaky form leading into the match, Magic showed dramatic improvement with a full-hearted effort. Hitting the lead for the first time early in the final stanza, Magic stumbled at crucial times.
The well-performed Firebirds, who have the best record of any of the Australian teams in New Zealand, absorbed everything that was thrown at them while maintaining a relentless presence on attack and defence.
The team from Queensland will meet the Vixens in next week’s Major Semi-Final, both teams enjoying the prospect of a second life.
Magic pulled a major surprise by naming rookie Samantha Sinclair at wing defence, the teenager having experienced just one quarter in her debut season after playing the last quarter at centre against the Tactix in round one.
There were no surprises in the Firebirds line-up, the well-performed Clare McMeniman getting the nod at goal defence.
With so much on the line, the match-up shaped up as a feisty torrid contest and didn’t disappoint with a high level of intensity evident from the outset.
Both teams struggled to breach the strong defensive efforts in a goal-for-goal opening, the tall figure of shooter Romelda Aiken being key for the visitors. The 1.96m target wasn’t entirely accurate but her height advantage ensured she snapped up any rebounds on offer.
Goal attack Ellen Halpenny made a strong start for Magic while classy defenders Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin did enough to create turnover opportunities. But Magic failed to take full advantage which helped the Firebirds edge to a 14-12 lead at the first break.
There was no let up in the tough physical contest both sides produced on the resumption as momentum swung back and forth in a riveting match-up.
With midcourters Courtney Tairi and Grace Rasmussen providing more movement on attack, Magic levelled the scores within minutes as the arm wrestle continued. Firebirds returned the favour with a push of their own to keep the scores even, Magic struggling to break the shackles of the tight one-on-one marking. Firebirds captain Laura Geitz and McMeniman provide a vice-like grip on shooters Halpenny and Jo Harten, who suffered some wobbly moments under the hoop.
De Bruin and Kopua again provided turnover opportunities but a late surge and the forceful presence of Aiken stationed under the hoop ensured the visitors kept their two-goal buffer when leading 28-26 at the main break.
The Firebirds got away to a flyer in the third stanza, stretching out to a six-goal margin and threatening to romp away with proceedings. Magic were forced to work overtime on attack while on defence struggled to stem the perfectly placed bombs to Aiken but held on grimly to remain in touch.
With Sinclair looking far from out of place, chasing down loose ball and Kopua and de Bruin providing a couple of valuable intercepts, Magic bounced back with new vigour to produce a storming finish to the stanza.
Magic chipped into the margin, Firebirds holding their slim two-goal buffer and with it the prospect of a thrilling run to the line when leading 43-41 at the last break.
