An impressive eight-goal run in the first quarter was not enough for the Mystics to stave off the in-form Magic in last night's ANZ championship local derby in Auckland.
Silver Ferns team-mates Maria Tutaia (R) and Leana de Bruin go head to head. Photo: Photosport
The 54-51 win is the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic's fourth victory in a row and strengthened their second spot in the New Zealand netball conference.
The Mystics dominated the first three quarters and led 42-38 going into the final quarter but a defensive onslaught in the final 15 minutes turned the tide and the Magic won the final spell 16-9.
Bodies were put on the line as the Magic drew level again. Centre Sam Sinclair left the court with an ankle twinge, bringing Courtney Tairi into the cauldron, but their momentum was not lost.
The Magic put up a massive defensive wall leaving the Mystics no avenues to go forward, and scored the final three goals to sew it up.
After thumping the Mainland Tactix 81-51 on Sunday, the Southern Steel are all but untouchable at the head of the New Zealand conference, 9 points ahead of the Magic.
