The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have claimed a deserving 55-48 victory over the Mainland Tactix at Christchurch's Horncastle Arena.
The round five clash saw the previously bottom of the table Magic take down the mighty Southerners in a courageous display.
At the centre of the Waikato side's fearless victory was an excellent shooting percentage, led by their South African import goal shoot, Lenize Potgieter.
Potgieter's 93% hit rate showcased why the Magic have ranked as one of the most accurate teams in the competition, despite having fallen to the bottom of the ANZ Premiership after four rounds.
Although both sides were slow to find their form in the opening quarter, the Magic were able to secure an early advantage that they held over the Tactix for the remainder of the clash.
Magic captain Casey Kopua shone as she led her side from the front, placing early pressure on Tactix shooters Kate Beveridge and Brooke Leaver.
Kopua's connection with Silver Ferns midcourter Sam Sinclair saw the Magic strengthen in their links between defence and attack, successfully feeding the ball into their shooting circle and into the hands of the powerful Potgieter.
With an alarming six point lead to the Magic after the first quarter, Tactix coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek made changes to her shooting lineup, bringing the towering presence of Ellie Bird into goal shoot.
With the addition of Bird's ranging arms to the Tactix shooting circle, the Southerners were able to feed the ball more smoothly into their shooters.
However, Bird's performance - shooting 32/44 - wasn't enough to keep up with the sharp pace set by Magic, despite the Southern side lifting their intensity in the final quarter.
Timely intercepts from defenders Temalisi Fakahokotau and Kimiora Poi saw the Tactix creep dangerously close on the scoreboard in front of an excited home crowd, reducing their deficit from eight goals to just three.
But, the Waikato side held their ground in the final minutes to pull away yet again and rob the Tactix of victory.
Tonight's win will see the Magic move up from last place on the ANZ Premiership ladder, jumping ahead of Northern Stars by two points.
Meanwhile, the Tactix will remain in third place behind the Southern Steel and the leading Central Pulse.
All six franchises will go head-to-head this Sunday in the Premiership's second Super Sunday event.
- Cheree Kinnear
