22 Jul 2008

Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic head to Australia for final

12:39 pm on 22 July 2008

The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic made good with their second life, edging out the Adelaide Thunderbirds 51-49 in a thrilling preliminary final in Hamilton last night to qualify for the grand final of the Trans-Tasman netball championship.

Shooter Irene Van Dyke produced another formidable performance from goal attack finishing with 31 from 32 and was well supported by goal shoot Maria Tutaia who scored 20 from 23.

The home side led 29-25 at halftime, but coach Noeline Taurua says it was a real battle throughout and they'll need to produce something better for Monday night's grand final against the New South Wales Swifts in Sydney.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds coach Jane Woodlands says too many mistakes cost them a place in next week's final.

However the Magic face a daunting statistic if they're to claim the inaugural netball title - no New Zealand team has won across the Tasman all season in the 10-team competition.