The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have scored their first win of the ANZ Netball Championship season, beating the canterbury Tactix 61-52 in Rotorua.
Although the Magic dominated the second quarter in the fashion they are renowned for, the dogged Tactix were difficult to shake coming back in the third spell and shadowing the home side until the final five minutes when the Magic pulled away for the victory.
Goal attack Julianna Naoupu stepped up her game to make a match-winning contribution of 28 from 35, providing the ideal support for her circle partner Irene van Dyk, who produced a perfect shooting game of 33 from 33.
The Tactix had a pre-match victory, getting English defender Stacey Francis on court at wing defence for her first appearance this season, after battling with a nagging calf injury.
The Magic have now moved ahead of the Tactix at the bottom of the table.
