21 Apr 2014

Magic edge Mystics

6:31 am on 21 April 2014

The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have beaten visitors the Northern Mystics 56-50 in Hamilton to retain second place on the trans-Tasman netball championship table.

Stung by their first loss of the season in round six and having to sit out the bye round which followed, the Magic got back to the winner's circle after a slow start in the face of a staunch effort from their northern neighbours.

Better ball security and accuracy with their finishing helped Magic grind the spirit out of the Mystics.

Magic shooter Jo Harten was a standout with 44 goals from 46 attempts, ably supported by the slick service from the rejuvenated Grace Rasmussen while Maria Tutaia with 33 from 37 was an influential presence for the visitors, who are eighth overall.

Elsewhere, the Queensland Firebirds revived their season with a 55-40 home win over the New South Wales Swifts.

The Firebirds move up to fourth.