The Southern Steel have joined the Central Pulse at the top of the domestic netball standings after claiming a record breaking 76-60 win over the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Hamilton.
Jennifer O'Connell. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Still on a high from their victory over the Pulse last week, the Steel never relinquished the lead throughout the match, which produced the highest score of the season.
Goal shoot Jen O'Connell recorded the highest scoring performance of her career at this level - scoring 53 goals from her 55 attempts.
After a poor performance against the Northern Stars last week, the Magic were still reeling from injury problems with captain Casey Kopua on the side-line with her leg in a moonboot.
But they were definitely in the hunt in the first half, and Lenize Potgieter's 100 percent shooting game - scoring 41 goals - was a high-point of the match.
With Kopua out, the Magic shared the circle defender roles between three up-and-coming players: Kate Levien, Kate Lloyd and Hannah Ridling, one of the stars in the Wai/BOP Beko League team this season. They all played with heart; Lloyd ending the match with four intercepts.
But from the outset the Steel looked hungrier, establishing an early four-goal advantage by forcing the Magic attack to make unnecessary errors.
The Magic assistant coach, Amigene Metcalfe, says it was a disappointing effort from her side.
"We talked about being really clinical on attack and not giving away easy ball and we did the exact opposite so pretty disapointing."
The Magic remain fourth, two points behind the Tactix.
The top three qualify for the play-offs.
The Tactix play the Pulse on Wednesday night.
Shooting Stats - Magic:
Lenize Potgieter 41/41 (100%)
Monica Falkner 19/22 (86%)
Shooting Stats - Steel:
Jen O'Connell 53/55 (96%)
Te Paea Selby-Ricket 23/26 (88%)
-RNZ
