The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have beaten the Southern Steel 71-69 in extra time to win the New Zealand conference elimination final of the trans-Tasman netball league.
Leana de Bruin of the Magic competes against Te Paea Selby-Rickit of the Steel. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Magic had beaten the Steel twice already this season and were firm favourites to win at home in Hamilton.
But the Steel were not prepared to lie down and matched their more fancied opponents goal for goal until the final whistle when the scoreboard was locked at 59 all.
Two six minute periods of extra-time ensued in which the Magic were able to gain and make stick a two goal advantage.
Joanne Harten top scored for the Magic with 53 goals from 60 attempts.
The Magic will take on the Northern Mystics on Monday in the conference final and then join them in the League semi-finals against the Queensland Firebirds and the New South Wales Swifts.
The Swifts will meet the Firebirds in the Australian conference final on Sunday after the Swifts beat the West Coast Fever 60-53 in the Australian elimination final also on Saturday.
