23 Mar 2010

Magic beaten in Melbourne

6:40 am on 23 March 2010

Reigning champions Melbourne Vixens started the new trans-Tasman netball season as they finished the last - on top - as they beat the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic 48-40 in Melbourne.

In the final match of the opening round, the Vixens restored some Australian pride after the West Coast Fever and Adelaide Thunderbirds lost to New Zealand sides, the Southern Steel and Northern Mystics respectively.

The Magic were ahead after the first quarter and led by 5 at one stage before the homeside took control to lead by 2 at half time which they then extended in the second half.

Magic coach Noeline Taurua changed her lineup, but they were unable to close the gap.

Earlier a 12-goal unanswered run in the third quarter has given the Canterbury Tactix a 54-48 victory over the Central Pulse in Christchurch.

The visitors managed to mount a challenge in the final quarter, but ultimately their errors throughout the match cost them any chance of victory.