Strong comeback gives Magic third straight win
A storming second half ensured Kia Magic kept their unbeaten season intact when they held off a keen Southern Steel challenge to post a 61-57 win in Hamilton on Monday.
With inspirational captain Casey Kopua leading from the front, Magic put a patchy first half behind them to show their growing character. In their first home match of the season, Magic kept a third successive clean sheet to retain their perfect start.
The plucky southerners were the better team overall through the first half, Magic getting a ticking off from coach Julie Fitzgerald at halftime before stepping up the intensity with a powerful run home.
All Magic players did their bit in a concerted team fight-back, providing a staunch defensive effort across the court and more precision on attack, England shooter Jo Harten again producing a polished showing under the hoop with 39 goals from 42 attempts.
Showing their intent from the outset, Steel started the match in seamless fashion with the shooting combination of Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and Jodi Brown hitting their straps right from the opening whistle.
There was little between the two teams in the opening spell, Magic holding the slightest of edges through the finishing of Harten and Ellen Halpenny who continue to form a slick and accurate combination under the hoop.
Kopua was prominent early in securing a couple of vital turnovers against the towering Fowler-Reid. Pegging back an early three-goal deficit, it was Magic who gleaned a narrow 17-16 lead at the end of a high-scoring first quarter.
Under pressure early after the restart, errors crept into Magic’s play on attack where Steel continued to impress with their strong defensive efforts and steady accuracy on attack.
The wily Brown and Shannon Francois delivered quick pin-point feeds to Fowler-Reid who showed she was back to her best with a dominant display under the hoop. The experienced Brown also played her part with an impressive contribution in general play and putting up the shots.
At the other end, Harten and Halpenny faced a willing contest against Steel defenders Rachel Rasmussen and Phoenix Karaka. Harten was often double-teamed, cutting down Magic’s options as Steel made their move.
Breaking the shackles after a tight arm wrestle through the second stanza, Steel finished with a flourish to score five unanswered goals to head into the main break with a handy 32-27 lead.
After losing the second quarter 16-10, Magic introduced the teenaged Jamie-Lee Price for Bessie Manu at wing defence, the home team producing a storming comeback in a thrilling third quarter.
With Grace Rasmussen and Courtney Tairi showing more influence on attack, Magic’s shooters found more space in the circle with Halpenny converting some clutch shots to get the home team back in the contest.
At the other end Kopua and Leana de Bruin contested every play while Price also made her presence felt with her through court distribution and solid defence marking in Steel’s attacking third.
With the intensity lifting in a fast and furious battle for supremacy, Magic left their imprint with a forceful and productive 15 minutes to claw back the deficit and with it regaining a narrow 45-44 lead at the last break.
