21 May 2016

Magic enchant Mystics

7:00 pm on 21 May 2016

Thirty goals from England international Jo Harten have helped the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic to a four point victory over the Northern Mystics.

Waikato BOP Magic captain Jo Harten.

Waikato BOP Magic captain Jo Harten. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Magic outscored the Mystics in three of the four quarters they played in Hamilton on Saturday, winning their trans-Tasman netball encounter 49-45.

Harten netted 30 from 34 attempts and was named most valuable player, as her opposite, the Silver Fern Maria Tutaia, sank 29 from 33.

It was the first time this season the Magic's full squad was available with Leana de Bruin returning after a lengthy injury break, while Mystics were forced to leave out Kayla Cullen and Temalisi Fakahokotau.

Silver Ferns team-mates Maria Tutaia (R) and Leana de Bruin go head to head

Silver Ferns team-mates Maria Tutaia (R) and Leana de Bruin go head to head Photo: Photosport

After the match Tutaia told Sky Sport her side lacked aggression.

"We weren't consistent enough. Their defenders were really angry and I guess we didn't have the grunt that they did," she said.

"Leanna came on and played her heart out. It's good to have her back but that definitely wont be happening next time."

The win was only the second of the season from seven games for the Magic, while the Mystics sit two places above them in 2nd on the New Zealand ladder with two wins from eight.