13 May 2014

Steel down Magic in Invercargill

11:42 am on 13 May 2014

The Southern Steel have claimed their first trans-Tasman netball championship victory in their new home stadium, beating the second placed Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic 62-57 in Invercargill.

While the Magic started with their trademark early supremacy, they lost focus as the Steel found confidence, and chased in vain through the second half.

The home side's young defensive duo of Storm Purvis and Phoenix Karaka shone brightest in the Steel's upset victory, which has revived their hopes of making the play-offs.

The Steel are now sixth on 10 points, two behind the fifth placed Pulse and two wins outside the top four.

Despite the loss the Magic remain second on 14 points, level with the table-topping Melbourne Vixens but behind on goal differential.