Taurua reappointed Magic Mentor
Noeline Taurua has wasted little time mapping out her plans for 2009 after being reappointed Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic netball coach for the 2009 season.

Finishing runners-up to the NSW Swifts in this year’s inaugural ANZ Championship, Colourplus Magic were the most successful of the New Zealand franchises in the 10-team trans-Tasman competition. But an inconsistent season exposed gaps Taurua is looking to plug next year.

"This first season was a huge learning curve for all concerned," she said."I've learnt a lot from it and that is one of the reasons to come back for another year… to see if we can put what we've learnt into action."

Taurua was excited by the first year of the new venture which threw up a host of close contests and drew strong crowd support at most venues.

"It has raised the profile of the game several notches as well as making players and coaches more accountable for the product they put out on court," she said.

Pleased to make the final after an exciting climax to the season, Taurua was disappointed with the Magic's finish when they were outsmarted 65-56 by the well-drilled Swifts.

"None of us fully realised how long the four-month playing season really was and as a result there were hiccups along the way," she said.

"My objectives looking ahead are to find alternative ways of training that can put players in pressure situations and that will keep building the team. I have a clearer understanding of what type of players we need and what type of planning we need to compete next year."

In general, the Australian teams coped better under pressure and Taurua will change the way she views potential candidates in the selection process.

Despite having a quartet of Silver Ferns, the Magic lacked the right mental application at times and a rookie bench counted against them.

"I will be looking for that mentally tough type of person and at ways to be more consistent," she said.
It wasn’t the easiest of seasons for the coach, who also had to contend with being pregnant and giving birth to her fifth child just days before the major semifinal.

Adept at taking most things in her stride, Taurua has no doubts she can find a happy balance between juggling a busy family life and the demands of an intense coaching role.

"I had to weigh up family and make sure everything on the home front was OK," she said."We are planning out support networks now so that when the time and netball season rolls around again everything should be settled," she said.

"I am very excited to be with the Magic once again and alongside the girls for another year."

Swifts too good for Magic in final
The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic’s attempt to win the inaugural ANZ Championship title was thwarted by a well-drilled and consistent NSW Swifts in Sydney tonight.

The Swifts deservedly won the title on the back of a commanding 65-56 result in front of a 12,000-strong crowd at the Acer Arena.

It was a tough night at the office for the Colourplus Magic, who could make little impression on the home team in a patchy performance.

From unfancied beginnings, the Swifts continued their impressive run in the second half of the season to comprehensively outplay the Magic with a decisive 60-minute effort.

Cheered on a by a loyal band of supporters, who had made the trip on a charter flight from Hamilton, the Magic struggled to find any flow and were forced to play catch-up for most of the match.

The home team dominated throughout, their consistency never wavering as the experienced heads of captain Catherine Cox, Susan Pratley and Silena Gilsenan led the charge.

The Magic had their moments but in a reflection of their season, could not put a full 60 minutes out on court tonight.

Both teams went with predicatable line-ups, the Swifts sticking with the reliable unit that had garnered an unbeaten eight-game run heading into the final. Magic coach Noeline Taurua opted to retain Laura Langman at wing attack after her first start in the position last week against the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

It did not take the Swifts long to stamp their ascendancy as they rattled into the early lead on the back of sharp attacking play and precision finishing.

Five unanswered goals early on gave the home team the impetus to dictate terms. Fluency on attack through Kimberlee Green and Vanessa Ware on the outside combined with the timing and accuracy of sharp shooters Cox and Pratley gave the Swifts a decisive edge.

The Magic squandered possession with some wayward passing while Langman struggled against the demanding attention of Gilsenan, whose presence stifled the visitor’s attacking options.

The Swifts found an easier passage into Cox and Pratley who didn’t miss a beat as the home team went to the first break 19-14 ahead.

In a moral victory for the home team, Langman found herself back at centre in the second quarter as the Magic searched for more fluency but the visitors were again blighted by too many simple errors.

The Swifts continued their dominance, their variety on attack outwitting the Magic defenders while strong through-court defence stifled the visitor’s flow.

With 10 more shots at goal under their belt, the Swifts were handily placed at 34-28 at halftime. Irene van Dyk remained a consistent performer in a faltering Magic effort, getting through a huge workload and being her usual reliable self under the hoop.

With van Dyk amd Maria Tutaia reverting to their more accustomed roles of goalshoot and goal attack respectively in the third quarter, the visitors had their best stanza of the match.

Finding it easier to find van Dyk under the hoop, the Magic pulled to within two goals as they converted on the back of a run of turnovers from their defenders. However, the response from the Swifts was just as decisive as they replied with a strong run to shoot out to a seven-goal lead.

In a topsy turvey quarter, the Swifts repelled the Magic’s surges as they headed into the final break with a 50-45 lead.

Some heroics from the dangerous Casey Williams injected some momentum as the Magic made a strong start to the final quarter. Again they drew within two goals but the Swifts were equal to the occasion.

The ever-reliable Pratley and Cox proved outstanding contributors for the Swifts. The unflappable duo shared the shooting load intelligently and proceeded to dominate their opposites as they calmly propelled the Swifts into a position of absolute command.

Van Dyk was a shining light for the losers, who for the main were out-thought and outplayed tonight.

Element of surprise in Magic’s favour
Press Release July 24, 2008

Noeline Taurua’s uncanny ability to pull off the unexpected has given the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic every chance of winning the inaugural ANZ Championship netball final.

In recent weeks the Colourplus Magic coach has reinvented her team’s attacking line to such an extent it remains a mystery which combination will take the court against the NSW Swifts in Sydney, on Monday night.

"You’re never quite sure what’s going to happen...it’s exciting, it’s new and it keeps the team on its toes," shooter Irene van Dyk said.

"Noels has got so many tricks up her sleeve now and it's just a matter of what she’s going to pull out for the final."

One poor quarter against the Swifts in the major semifinal was redeemed with a tenacious win against the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Monday for a place in the final.

The Magic have lost to the Swifts twice this year and van Dyk, who has reveled since moving up court to goal attack three weeks ago, said the extra game after missing out on advancing straight to the final had been a bonus.

"Building a buffer of five to 10 goals is not enough against an Australian team because they will always come back at you," she said.

"We go into this game knowing we haven't won any games against them this season so it's going to make us hungry. Playing that game against the Thunderbirds where we were pushed to the limit has made us stronger. It was a great preparation."

Van Dyk was the first major positional change made in the team which now has a totally different look to the one that started the season. With the team enthusiastically embracing Taurua’s philosophies, there's been no looking back.

"My initial thought was that when I go out of my half of the circle I cause havoc so I didn't think it was a good idea," she said.

"But then I thought, Noeline was the queen of that position once (Silver Fern during the 1990s) and she has the confidence in me to do something there, so I thought if she has confidence in me, I should just go out there and do my job."

"She coaches with flair and follows her gut instinct which at times even has the players a little stunned."

With more room to move, van Dyk has excelled both in and out of the circle. Retaining her unwavering accuracy, the long-limbed attacker is also proving good nuisance value on defence.

Running around as if in the infancy of her career, van Dyk, 36, went on to outplay her old nemeis Mo'onia Gerrad, one of the game's best defenders, in the latest outing.

"I went into the game with the attitude that she was not going to walk away with the laurels and that I was going to nail it any way I could," van Dyk said.

"I know that I sat on the deck a few times but it was absolutely worth it.

"Just being able to get another combination out there and getting more fluency and momentum from the attacking line has been a good thing looking ahead to Monday."

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Consistency the catch-cry for Magic
Press Release July 17, 2008

Talented they may be but consistency remains the key to the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic’s chances of reaching the final of the ANZ Championship netball competition.

Sublime at times, the Colourplus Magic have also shown their ability to go off the boil just as quickly.

In the white-hot atmosphere of Monday night’s preliminary final they will need to string together four substantive quarters to derail what will be a demanding Adelaide Thunderbirds challenge in Hamilton.

A poor third quarter against the NSW Swifts turned the game around and cost the Magic a chance of progressing directly to the final.

A major positive from that match was the Magic’s fighting comeback in the last quarter where they erased a six goal deficit to level the scores in the dying minutes. But going walkabout in the pivotal third quarter cost the team dearly.

Driving away from that match in her new car after winning the Player of the Year title, dynamic defender Casey Williams would willingly have swapped the keys for a place in the final.

However, after an enthralling match-up against the cool-headed Swifts captain Catherine Cox, Williams was confident of the team’s ability against the Thunderbirds.
``We need to take the positives out of the Swifts game….we did only lose by one point,’’ Williams said.

``We showed what we can do by the way we came back at them. And if we can do that and have that hunger right from the start, then we should blow anybody off the court.’’

Williams got the opponents she had wanted after the Thunderbirds beat off the Melbourne Vixens in a rugged sudden-death semifinal.

The lofty defender will concede 5cm to the relatively inexperienced Thunderbirds shooter Kate Beveridge but will thrive in the more aerial style presented.

The Magic also beat the Thunderbirds in the first round but that should have little bearing on Monday.

``Personally, I’m very revved up and ready to go for round two,’’ she said.

``You just think about all the hard work you’ve put in since January and I would like some reward for that.

``We are doing everything and anything to be in the best shape for the Thunderbirds game. We are all very competitive people so none of us is going out there to lose.’’

In contrast to the Magic/Swifts mainly free-flowing spectacle, the Thunders/Vixens clash was highlighted by its physicality and frequent umpire intervention.

Williams expects the Magic will need to steel themselves against a similar muscular approach from the Thunderbirds.

``I think that is how they will play it and hopefully anything they throw at us we’ll be prepared for,’’ she said.

``The hard part for us has been we know that we are not actually that far away from everything clicking at the same time and putting in a really complete performance.

``Against the Thunderbirds, we need to have seven attackers and seven defenders putting it together for 60 minutes, score on our turnovers and keep our opponent’s shooting percentages low to build pressure to create those turnover opportunities.’’


Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Second chance for Magic after heart-breaker
The Colourplus Magic will be relying on their second life to make the ANZ Championship final after suffering a heart-breaking 57-56 loss to the NSW Swifts in Hamilton on Sunday.

Courtesy of the two-life system awarded the top two finishers in the regular season, the Magic will now play the winner of tomorrow night’s sudden death semifinal between the Adelaide Thunderbirds and the Melbourne Vixens, in Hamilton on July 21, to decide the Swifts opponents.

Little separated the teams today with each winning two quarter but a faltering third quarter from the Magic handed the Swifts the momentum heading down the home straight.

Better overall execution of the basics propelled the visitors into the final despite the heroics of Irene van Dyk, who shot a perfect game with 29 goals from 29 attempts, and some individual brilliance from Joline Henry.

The experienced heads of captain Catherine Cox, Susan Pratley and Selina Gilsenan were to the forefront of the Swifts eighth straight win, as the visitors confirmed their ever-improving status through the competition.

Magic coach Noeline Taurua stuck with last week’s success story of switching shooters van Dyk and Maria Tutaia for today’s all-important showdown.

In a fast-paced match, where high skill levels and a low error rate featured, the teams level-pegged through most of the first quarter.

The accuracy and positioning of Cox guided the Swifts to a narrow 16-15 lead heading into the first break.

Patience on attack and big pressure on defence gave the Magic the better of the second quarter. Effective spoiling work by wing defence Henry and the superior play of van Dyk nudged the Magic into the lead as the home team took control of their opponents.

Van Dyk and Tutaia showed immaculate control in the circle as their height and movement caused big problems for the Swifts defenders.

At the other, the Swifts struggled a little to get the ball goal-bound but a late rally reduced the deficit, which had stretched out to five at one stage, as the Magic held the momentum 32-30 at halftime.

All the good work from the home side was undone as the Swifts got away to an outstanding start in the all-important third quarter.

Hesitancy from the Magic attack line as the Swifts put the heat on defensively caused a rash of turnover ball. The supply of ball dried up for the Magic as midcourter Gilsenan caused huge disruption in the home team’s attacking flow. The wing defence was a tower of strength in limiting the Magic’s opportunities where Amigene Metcalfe and Laura Langman were kept under wraps.

Casey Williams lifted her game at the other end where she had a mighty battle with Cox but in tandem with Pratley, the Swifts shooters kept cool heads to make the most of their opportunities efficiently and accurately.

Keeping the Magic scoreless for seven minutes turned the match on its head as the Swifts completed the turnaround to outscore the home team 17-9, giving them a healthy 47-41 threequarter time advantage.

Fortunes turned once again in a riveting final quarter as the Magic staged a thrilling comeback. Levelling the scores with 1-1/2 minutes to go and hot on attack, the Magic lost their opportunity to win the match when Swifts midcourter Kimberlee Green picked up a vital steel on the circle edge to end the home team’s hopes.

Magic favoured to play a winning hand
Press Release July 10, 2008

The unpredictable nature of netball’s ANZ Championship has dealt the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic a favourable hand ahead of Sunday’s major semifinal.

A compelling return to form in the nick of time propelled the Colourplus Magic into top spot and with it the prized reward of home advantage against the NSW Swifts.

The Magic reaffirmed their credentials in the race for the inaugural title with a standout performance against the Tactix last week. The challenge will be whether they can repeat the effort against a better opposition.

``That was just one game so you take the good stuff (out of it) and make sure you don’t get too carried away with it,’’ Magic captain Amigene Metcalfe said.

``But it definitely felt different…just the understanding was better, the confidence with each other was better, particularly in the attacking end, so it was good to have that one going into the semis.

``We certainly haven’t played consistently enough to be able to sit back and think things will just happen.’’

Both teams benefit from the two life system awarded the top two finishers in the regular season and the Magic will look to nail a place in the final at their first opportunity.

The Swifts have been the most consistent and improved team in the second half of the season after winning their last seven games but come to Hamilton on the back of a heavy travel schedule.

The Swifts head to Hamilton tomorrow (Friday) following their trip to Perth for their latest match against the West Coast Fever earlier in the week.

``We’ve got the talent and the firepower there to combat whatever gets thrown at us,’’ Metcalfe said.

``It’s going to be a really even contest but I do think that if we just stick to our own game plan and do it well for 60 minutes, then that’s what will do it for us.

``They’ve obviously got a great attacking end which has developed an awesome understanding over the last couple of months but if you look at our defensive end, they’re not too bad either.’’

Influential Swifts captain Catherine Cox has been in commanding form under the hoop and her battle with inspiring Magic defender Casey Williams will be one of the highlights.

The Swifts beat the Magic by three goals in round three but Metcalfe said that would have no bearing on the up-coming clash.

``We’re just two very different teams at this end of the competition than we were at the start,’’ she said.

Magic coach Noeline Taurua played a trump card last week when she started Irene van Dyk in the unaccustomed goal attack role.

It proved a masterstroke as the lofty shooter excelled in her new environment to kick-start a previously faltering attack line.

Metcalfe praised the selfless actions of the ever-consistent shooter, saying there was more to van Dyk than met the eye.

``The move out to goal attack was huge for her but I thought what she did was outstanding,’’ Metcalfe said.

``For someone who’s 36, to be moved out there for the first time in her career to start a match and do such a great job….she’s just the total professional.

``A lot of people wouldn’t know but she’s the fastest over 5m in our team so there’s no reason why she can’t handle a move like that and play as well as she did.’’

Taurua was unsure whether she would repeat the move against the Swifts.


Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Dazzling return to form for Magic
The Colourplus Magic were at their dazzling best in clinching a 69-44 win over the Canterbury Tactix in their final match of the regular ANZ Championship season in Hamilton today.

Doing their best to secure a home semifinal, the Magic roared back into life with a forceful effort over 60 minutes.

Playing near-perfect netball at times, the Magic put a disjointed three weeks behind them with a compelling team effort as all members combined in a standout performance.

The Magic now have an anxious wait until the NSW Swifts meet the West Coast Fever in Perth on Monday night, in the final match of the regular season to determine who will qualify in top place for the playoffs.

The talent-laden Magic put their best foot forward today as they sought a big score and minimal goals against, in the race for the top spot.

The gamble of switching the roles of shooters Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia proved an inspiring one from Magic coach Noeline Taurua.

Out of sorts over the last couple of weeks, Tutaia reveled at goalshoot for the Magic while van Dyk proved her versatility with a strong hand from goal attack as the pair effectively mixed their play throughout.

The Magic also welcomed back well-performed goal defence Jodi Tod from injury as the team, from the outset, showed a steely determination that has been missing in recent weeks.

Clinically efficient from the outset and showing a greater patience than previously, a five-goal unanswered streak shot the Magic out to an 8-2 lead and from there they never looked back.

As the team’s momentum continued to build, Tutaia’s confidence grew and she rediscovered her touch with a masterful return under the hoop for an 88 percent success rate. Despite her extra workload around the court, van Dyk maintained the high degree of accuracy she has shown all season with a powerful 94 percent return.

With the Tactix living off scraps, a completely dominant Magic waltzed into the first break 18-8 ahead.

The introduction of defender Victoria Smith and shooter Rachel Dunn added some impetus for the Tactix in the second stanza but the Magic’s form proved irrepressible and they could make little inroad.

Skipper Amigene Metcalfe was an influential figure in the Magic’s attacking flow, the timing and speed through court was finished with inch-perfect passes to the shooters.

Defensively strong through court, the Magic stalled the Tactix flow with great effect while in-circle defenders Tod and Casey Williams excelled in disrupting the visitor’s shooting efforts.

There was little the Tactix could do against the rampant home team who headed into halftime well in charge at 37-20.

Looking for their first full 60-minute effort of the season and in the process sending out a clear message to other teams, there was little respite from the Magic in
the third quarter.

With nothing to lose, the Tactix continued to battle away but the Magic’s intensity remained undiminished. Their goal tally continued to mount as they strove to build on their lead while keeping the deficit as low as possible as they swept into threequarter time 53-31 ahead.

Normal service resumed in the last quarter with Tutaia and van Dyk reverting to their more customary court positions. While not quite as clinical as the previous exhilarating three quarters, the Magic could be well pleased with their outing.

Magic’s season goes on the line
Press Release July 2, 2008

Winning rather than number crunching is the sole focus for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic heading into Saturday’s season-defining ANZ Championship netball match against the Canterbury Tactix.

Enduring a faltering three weeks, the Colourplus Magic have watched a comfortable four-point buffer at the top of the table evaporate.

They are now in a head-to-head race with the ever-improving NSW Swifts to seal top spot for the playoffs heading into this weekend’s final round of the regular season.

On equal points, the Magic hold a marginal lead at the top of the table on goal differential from the Swifts but will avoid getting caught up in the goals for and against permutations heading into the final round.

``That’s all too hard to work out,’’ Magic coach Noeline Taurua said.

`` We play on Saturday, they (Swifts) play on Monday so that works more in their favour than ours.

``We can’t go into this game with the goal difference as our mindset. That would mean we are one step ahead of ourselves and take away from the primary focus of winning.

``Firstly, we’ve got to win and then we take what happens after that on the chin…. whether we have a playoff match at home, in Sydney or anywhere.

``Our focus is winning and to do that we have to improve our connections and links on attack. First and foremost we want the two points.’’

A high score while conceding as few goals as possible would certainly help the Magic’s case.

The Swifts, who meet the West Coast Fever in Perth, on Monday, have proved the form team in the second half of the competition, hitting 60 in three of their last four outings. In those rounds they have beaten the improving Northern Mystics and the highly rated Queensland Firebirds, Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens.

There is a concern the Magic have stalled at the wrong time while other teams are finishing their run home in style.

``The Tactix aren’t going to lie down, they’re going to throw everything at us,’’ Taurua said.

``They will want to have a good finish to the competition, that’s only human. We have to think about walking before we run on this one.’’

A top two finish, which guarantees two lives in the playoffs, is still top of the agenda for the battling Magic.

``In all our matches we’ve had a lot of ball in hand, it’s just finding that complete performance and at the moment we don’t seem to be able to quite do it,’’ Taurua said.

``There is concern that we haven’t quite hit our mark yet but I have confidence in the quality of this group of players to get it right.

``We are trying very hard and know we are running out of time looking for that final piece of finishing, the missing link that will deliver a consistent performance.’’

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

MYSTERY CREEK SOLD OUT FOR GAME AGAINST TACTIX
The last two home matches of the pool play round in the ANZ Championship have seen sell outs!!

"We think that all of a sudden people thought the time is running out to see Colourplus Magic play and so the rush for the last two matches the one in Rotorua and now the one in Hamilton will see full houses. This is just so fantastic for the team and the Waikato Bay of Plenty Franchise,"said CEO Martin Ellis

Soul-searching time for Magic
The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic have an anxious week ahead of them after losing their grip at the head of the ANZ Championship table following a dramatic 47-43 loss to the Southern Steel in Invercargill.

It rounded out an out-of-sorts three weeks for the Magic and leaves them needing a big win in their last match of the regular season on Saturday against the Canterbury Tactix to secure top spot in the playoffs.

Out of playoffs contention, the underdog southerners showed the better composure on attack the longer the match wore on and with a sniff of an upset their passion and hunger was rewarded.

A crisp and clinical start by the visitors propelled the Magic to an early 5-0 lead as the Steel struggled for the opening five minutes before notching their first goal.

Played at a furious clip from the outset, the Magic’s superior ball delivery through midcourters Amigene Metcalfe and Laura Langman gave the visitors the edge while the Steel laboured against the defensive pressure exerted by the ever-present Magic in-circle defensive duo of Joline Henry and Casey Williams.

A patient Steel recovered from their slow start to claw back into contention with a more determined and fruitful finish to the quarter.

The Magic headed into the first break 11-9 ahead.

The Steel pulled out all the stops in a compelling second quarter, continuing to challenge the table toppers with a committed and aggressive display.

Showing better understanding in their shooting circle, Daneka Wipiit and Julianna Naoupu were presented with more opportunities while the team’s commitment on defence put the Magic’s forward momentum under the hammer.

Magic shooter Irene van Dyk impressed with her movement and accuracy under the hoop. Often forced to play a lone role, the lofty shooter was at her compelling best as her partner Maria Tutaia battled to combat Megan Hutton and Katrina Grant as well as struggling with her accuracy.

But it was the Steel, who took the second quarter spoils with a strong showing to sneak a 23-22 halftime advantage. That lead should have been greater but the home team’s shooters were well below par after attempting seven more shots at goal for a 70 percent success rate compared to the Magic’s 85 percent.

The introduction of Megan Dehn at goal attack, where she combined strongly with Liana Barrett-Chase, had a major influence on the Steel’s flow in the second half. The Magic, despite Tutaia’s continued hesitant efforts, got their noses back in front following better use of their turnovers.

The individual match-ups across the court made for intriguing personal battles during a frantic and drama-filled third quarter.

It was the Steel who had the last say in the quarter to level the scores at 35-all heading into the home straight.

Wipiiti made a strong start to the final stanza as the Steel, reveling in the tense atmosphere, made the most of their chances to stretch out to a three-goal advantage early on.

Desperation crept in from both sides as the ball and bodies flew in all directions. With the upset well in their grip, the southerners maintained their edge in a battling and torrid run to the line which the Magic could not contain.

Langman takes dual role in her stride
Press Release June 26, 2008

Laura Langman’s rightful position on the netball court is often a talking point but the dynamic midcourter is happy being a floater for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic.

Usually found in the thick of action, Langman, 22, is an easy figure to distinguish with her trademark long socks and athleticism around the court. Flitting from centre to wing defence for the Colourplus Magic in the ANZ Championship rarely detracts from the quality of performance she consistently delivers which says a lot about her class.

``The good thing in the Magic is we’ve really defined our roles,’’ Langman said.

``Regardless of what position you’re in you know your job. It’s an awesome team and you feel comfortable wherever you slot in. It doesn’t bother me where I play and I will fit in anywhere that’s best for the team.’’

Langman made her mark, firstly, as a wing defence when plucked into elite level netball from schoolgirl ranks in 2003. Two years later she was a Silver Fern, from where she emerged as a world class wing defence.

Last year, the talented midcourter added another string to her bow by taking over the reins at centre for the Magic, in the National Bank Cup. She has since progressed to playing both roles at international level.

Langman admits she has a slight preference for centre, a positions she is still crafting, and where her future probably lies.

``I do really enjoy the centre role but there’s no problem going back to wing defence because it offers a new set of challenges. I am comfortable playing both,’’ she said.

Langman has relished the opportunity to develop her game in the inaugural trans-Tasman competition.

``Every week it’s like being exposed to international netball,’’ she said.

``From a personal point of view, it’s definitely challenged my game. Every week I have had a big role to play in terms of my opponent having extreme capabilities. It has been great for me and hopefully it will pay dividends if I get the opportunity in the Silver Ferns again this year.’’

With two rounds of the regular season remaining, the Magic need to win one more to cement top spot for the playoffs and the assurance of a home semifinal.

Umpiring interpretations have caused widespread discontent on both sides of the Tasman, placing extra importance on the Magic’s ability to secure home court advantage post-season.

The only New Zealand franchise to make the playoffs, the Magic have been well off their best in the last two outings. Well beaten by the Melbourne Vixens in round 11, the Magic were pushed all the way on the back of a strong defensive effort from the Central Pulse last week.

``When we came off our bye (round nine) and started phase two of our campaign, the major focus was to step things up,’’ Langman said.

``I think we are in the process of doing that. At this point we haven’t achieved the full 60 minutes that we’re aiming for….it’s definitely a work in progress.

``We’re just simmering under the surface, I feel, and the best is yet to come.’’

While nothing can be taken for granted, the Magic are perhaps fortunate to be finishing their season against two New Zealand teams, starting with the Southern Steel in Invercargill on Monday night.

The elimination of unfamiliar umpiring, a major consternation for all teams crossing the Tasman, will provide an element of relief. But the Steel have had their moments this season and at home won’t go down without a fight.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Magic dig deep to keep Pulse at bay
The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic were forced to dig deep before overcoming the Central Pulse 46-41 in the ANZ Championship netball clash in Wellington on Saturday.

In a game they would probably rather forget, the top-of-the-table Magic had plenty of problems dispatching the plucky cellar dwellers.

The character of the winless Pulse was evident today as they went on to win two quarters and draw a third as they pushed the favourites all the way.

The Magic were unable to build on a dominating second quarter as the home team contributed strongly in a tighter than expected tussle.

In the end, the Magic’s greater accuracy won the day. Both teams had 50 attempts at goal with the Magic converting 92 percent and the Pulse 82. Irene van Dyk celebrated her 36th birthday with a dominating scoring performance when she converted 35 from 36 attempts.

A steady and measured opening had the Pulse setting the early pace against a flat-looking Magic. The mobile shooting combination of Susan Tagicakibau and Jamilah Gupwell had the better of the taller Magic defenders as they found perfect options close to the goal.

The Magic lacked fluency on attack in a slow start, going through the motions without the greatest of conviction to give the Pulse a 12-11 first quarter lead.

The introduction of Nicola Pettit and the move forward to centre and wing attack respectively of Laura Langman and Amigene Metcalfe changed the dynamics on the resumption.

Stung into action, the Magic lifted their pace in the second quarter which coincided with more fluency and an easier passage to the goal.

Stiffer defence from Casey Williams, Joline Henry and Pettit slowed the Pulse and put the brakes on the Pulse’s freedom in the shooting circle.

The Magic mixed their defensive options successfully between man-on-man and the zone effectively while van Dyk used her extra height effectively under the high ball to propel the Magic into a 25-19 halftime advantage on the back of a perfect 17 goals from 17 attempts.

As has become their trademark, the Pulse refused to be intimidated and clung on to the Magic’s coat-tails with a determined defensive effort. Tireless wing defence Cushla Lichtwark and England import Sonia Mkoloma were relentless as the Pulse combined to restrict the Magic to just 10 goals in the third quarter.

Threatening to break loose when they stretched out to a 10-goal lead at one stage, the Magic’s play lost its structure as the defence became increasingly frustrated with their penalty count. Tagicakabau and Gupwell remained steady and accurate under the hoop to keep the Pulse well in touch.

The home team went on to win the third quarter by a goal but the Magic still held a 35-30 lead going into threequarter time.

Play continued to swing during the final quarter with turnovers becoming a feature as defensive pressure mounted from both teams.

In a physical final stanza, the Magic managed to keep their five-goal buffer in the face of an unrelenting attitude from the Pulse.

Plan B a priority for Magic attackers
Press Release June 18, 2008

Erasing bad habits remains the key to the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic’s fortunes in the closing rounds of the ANZ Championship netball competition.

Having built slowly through the season to a position where they could play a style to suit the conditions, the Colourplus Magic returned to days of old with a faltering attacking effort in the 47-40 loss to the Melbourne Vixens in the latest round.

Fortunately, the Magic had established enough of a buffer to retain top spot with three rounds to go. But their capitulation on attack against the Vixens is cause for concern while at the same time giving the close-chasing pack reason for optimism.

The Magic certainly had their moments in an intense, physical and fast-paced match against the talented Vixens but too often were guilty of sloppy passages and soft turnovers.

``I felt we lost that game ourselves,’’ coach Noeline Taurua said. ``We certainly had enough ball and opportunities to win it.

``Our attacks were at sixes and sevens, we didn’t have good links in the goal third and we became very disjointed very quickly. At times we were able to bring it back but it was more through desperation than control.

``A lot of what we do is unnecessary and we bring it on ourselves.’’

Coming off a six-game winning streak, highlighted by the patient and systematic dismantling of the Queensland Firebirds, Taurua believes the hiccups on attack are more a mindset rather than the result of pressure from the opposition.

``Looking at the draw, this competition is still going to go down to the wire to see who makes the top four,’’ she said.

``So, it’s up to us to learn from what we’ve been through. It’s not a matter of going back to the drawing board, it’s just fixing some little things that will click us into gear and that’s all it is.

``We’re getting a lot of ball in hand, there’s some nice things we are doing but just not enough.’’

Defensively the Magic are the equal, if not better, than any team in the competition and the coach believes old fashioned grind and hard work is the key on attack.

``We rely on everyone being on their game every time we take the court and if they’re not we have to have something else in our back pocket,’’ she said.

``And at the moment, that’s what we’re missing, the grind in that attacking end…the simple things, the re-set, the go again, the plod, the hard yards…..that plan B.

``The nature of this competition means you’re always going to get ups and downs. We’re still one game ahead with three rounds to go so we’ve just got to make sure we take control of our own fate.’’

With three games against New Zealand teams left in the regular season, the Magic will look to right their ship against the Central Pulse in Wellington on Saturday as the charge for a home semifinal begins in earnest.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Battling Magic undone by Vixens
The Colourplus Magic retained a tenuous grip at the top of the ANZ Championship table despite losing a titanic battle 47-40 to the Melbourne Vixens across the Tasman tonight.

Despite a brilliant defensive effort the Magic were undone by a faltering performance on attack as they dropped their second game of the season.

The result narrowed the Magic’s standing at the top of the table where they now sit just two points ahead a strong chasing pack which includes the Adelaide Thunderbirds, Vixens and NSW Swifts.

Tonight’s match was played at a furious pace from start to end, the intense defensive pressure being a highlight in the low scoring match. Play often seesawed for long spells between the respective goal circles as turnovers, often on the back of brilliant play, were a constant feature.

The Vixens gained the early impetus after the Magic attackers became hesitant under aggressive defensive pressure where goalkeeper Bianca Chatfield was a prominent presence.

Coach Noeline Taurua took immediate action, replacing rookie Halana Leith, in just her second start, with Nicola Pettit for the second quarter with the Magic trailing 14-10.

The Magic lifted for a big second quarter effort although Maria Tutaia, who endured a bad day at the office, had little luck under the hoop as her success rate plummeted. However, Casey Williams, Joline Henry and Pettit, provided the edge for the Magic with some outstanding play through the second stanza.

By halftime, the Magic had wiped out the deficit as the teams went to the break all even at 21-all.

The Magic’s attacking wobbles returned in the third quarter as the Vixens, with dynamic captain Sharelle McMahon playing an inspiring role, taking full advantage. The home team made the Magic pay for a host of unforced errors as they shot out to a six-goal lead.

The Vixens proved far more accurate on attack while the Magic were unable to fully utilise the brilliance of the ball won on defence as many opportunities were squandered.

Irene van Dyk and Tutaia were given a torrid workover in the goal circle while speedy Vixens midcourter Natasha Chokljat picked up a host of loose ball with her persistence.

The Vixens retained their six-goal lead to be well placed 34-28 at threequarter time.

In a rare sight, van Dyk started the last quarter at goal attack as the Magic looked to add variety on attack.
The bold move paid off for the visitors, who produced some of their best passages during this spell to level the scores at 39-all with five minutes to go.

However, turnovers and a hefty penalty count, which went two to one against the Magic, continued to plague the table-toppers as hard-fought possession was lost.

Seven straight goals to the Vixens late in the piece sealed the Magic’s fate.

Former Fern backs Magic for the final
Press Release June 12, 2008

Former Silver Fern Tanya Dearns has already penciled in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic as finalists for the ANZ Championship netball competition in late July.

The imposing defender who went on to coach the Shakers and Eastern Region believes Colourplus Magic mentor Noeline Taurua has finally got her band of quality individuals humming as a team.

There has never been any question of the riches Taurua has had at her disposal. But moulding that abundance of talent into a cohesive unit while still allowing for individual flair has been a work in progress.

Former club, provincial and international team-mates, Dearns is full of admiration for the style and way Taurua goes about her business.

``She’s innovative, adds variety and does something different with the players each week,’’ she said.

``She’s open to ideas from a diverse range of people and situations. I think Noels is a great coach. She’s old school, she doesn’t muck around, she calls a spade a spade and her players know where she’s coming from.

``She’s got the right personality as well. She’s so easy going and if she was any more laid back she’d be horizontal. There’s nothing really that fazes her, she’s just about to have her fifth child…. she’s a bloody machine.’’

In their most compelling outing of the season against the high-flying Queensland Firebirds in the latest round, the manner in which the Magic achieved the six-goal win was all positive.

Taurua has a habit of doing the unexpected and there was more than a little surprise when she named a rookie to start at wing attack against the Firebirds.

Taking time to settle Halana Leith, predominantly a goal attack, and with just a quarter of a match during the campaign to date under her belt repaid her coach’s faith with a steady and confident showing in the pivot’s role.

It was a sign that all the players are starting to gel and fire together at the same time. A lot of the previous high-risk play has been eliminated from their game and against the Firebirds there was a patience not previously seen from the Magic.

`` We all know the quality in that team but in the Firebirds game there was no throwing long balls away, most of the passes into Irene (van Dyk) were calculated and well-judged,’’ Dearns said.

``They did show patience and reset their plays when things weren’t on which is something they haven’t done consistently to date. They did that really well against the Firebirds.

``Also, the injuries and disruption didn’t put them off stride. When Jodi Tod went off, the repositioning of players was seamless. There was no stop in their flow and the Firebirds were unable to take any advantage.’’

On the road against the Melbourne Vixens on Monday night will be a searching test of just how far the Magic have progressed.

Stung by an unexpected loss to the Southern Steel in the latest round and back on home turf, the star-studded Vixens will offer a taller and more experienced defensive line while the dynamic Sharelle McMahon will thrive in the environment and young shooter Caitlin Thwaites has had an impressive season.

``If Noeline gets the combinations right in her team, they’ll be good to go,’’ Dearns said. ``She is a very good assessor of matching what she’s up against with what she’s got in her squad.

``She has got a little bit of depth on her bench this year and at this stage of the season you want to be showing you have got alternative playing combinations that are equally strong and you can mix it up a bit depending on the opposition.’’


Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

THERMAL HEART - NEW MAJOR SPONSOR
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Netball Franchise has finalised its stable of key sponsors with the recent signing of the Thermal Heart product brand - the next generation in window and door technology. Thermal Heart is a product range of Architectural Profiles Limited (APL) and is a leading Australasian manufacturer of aluminium joinery.

"The directors of the Magic Franchise are pleased to welcome Thermal Heart as a major sponsor,"Board Chair Peter de Luca said. "The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Directors are particularly pleased to have the support of Thermal Heart for this season and beyond. In addition, this signing completes the Magic's package of key sponsors which includes the naming rights sponsor Colourplus, the new major sponsor Thermal Heart and associate sponsors Vodafone and Bayleys."

Featuring 5 teams each from New Zealand and Australia, the ANZ Championship was seen as tailor made for the marketing strategy of the Hamilton based Company. "We see Magic as being a good team to partner with, especially given their strong position at the top of the current competition," said APL Marketing Manager Shane Walden. "The fact that we are Waikato based but operate in a much broader competitive environment gives us a lot in common with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Franchise."

Switch leaves Tod feeling right at home
Press Release June 4, 2008

The odd one out in an international-laden Waikato/Bay of Plenty netball team, unheralded defender Jodi Tod has proved an invaluable acquisition this year.

The only player in the Colourplus Magic’s first-choice line-up not to have played for the Silver Ferns, Tod’s strong work ethics and no-frills style has added a steadying influence to the more flamboyant qualities of the team during the ANZ Championship.

After starting the season at wing defence, Tod, 27, swapped bibs with Joline Henry to take up the goal defence role where for the last five rounds she has formed an increasingly effective combination with Casey Williams in the hotbed of the goal circle.

It was a calculated gamble by coach Noeline Taurua, who had not considered the option pre-season. In tweaking the roles of her much-vaunted back three, Taurua has found the right defensive balance in the team structure. And Tod is reveling in the mix.

``I’ve played goal defence most of my netball career, so it was a little bit like going back home,’’ Tod said.

``Wing defence was the newer position for me and a lot of people don’t understand that playing a different side of the court is quite a big step. I was certainly more familiar with the goal defence side.

``I was a little bit surprised in that she had such a talented goal defence as Joline (Henry) there but she has gone over to make a huge difference out at wing defence.’’

After starting her career with the Flyers where she spent four years, Tod originally from Hawke’s Bay, spent the last two seasons with the Canterbury Flames in the National Bank Cup which also included an off-season stint playing in the UK league.

During that time she has matured into a very promising and competent defender, her tight marking and exceptional standing jump providing the hallmarks of her play.

Coming off the bye, Tod said it had been an opportune time to freshen up mid-season but she was now jumping out of her skin in anticipation of Sunday’s vital match-up against the Queensland Firebirds in Rotorua.

With the trans-Tasman clashes resuming this weekend, the Magic will be looking for more consistency against the surprise package of the competition.

The Magic will need to be at their best in adapting to a different style and the threat posed by teenaged Jamaican shooting sensation Romelda Aiken.

``As a team, I think we’ve had some really good patches,’’ Tod said.

``Although there have been games where we have just won, that is indicative of the level of the league. No team is an easy beat and no team is going to lie down for us. At times we have shown really good character to withstand what others have thrown at us.

``But I don’t think we’ve hit our 60-minute best yet.’’

The Firebirds are coming off just their second loss of the season and sit second behind the Magic on the table.

With the 1.96m Aiken being the key target for the Firebirds, full team defence would be a crucial part of the Magic’s game plan in disrupting the flow and service to the willowy shooter.

``We can’t wait for the ball to get into their goal third,’’ Tod said.

``We need to attack the ball as soon as it starts coming down court and stop it well before it gets to the circle edge to upset their balance.’’

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Magic look to add the polish in phase two
Press Release May 26, 2008

A lack of polish has not dimmed the fortunes of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic as they signed off from phase one of their ANZ Championship netball mission.

Despite some scrambling performances, the Colourplus Magic head into the bye this weekend comfortably placed at the halfway stage following a seven-win one-loss record to date.

``We’ve got to be happy that we’re sitting at the top of the table without having really hit our straps yet,’’ Magic coach Noeline Taurua said.

``We’ve shown we can still win despite playing ugly at times but when you’re looking at a 17-week competition and what we’ve got ahead maybe it’s not such a bad thing.’’

One area that will receive attention during the break is the team’s repeated failure to nail their opponent’s when in a position of dominance.

In recent games the Magic have shot out to decisive leads followed by sloppy phases, enabling opponents to claw their way back in.

``In a lot of games we have been in total control, the structure’s fine and then we start doing stupid things,’’ Taurua said.

``There seems to be a pattern where that will last for three or four plays and then we kick again. A couple of those games we should have won by 10 to 20 goals and not be scrapping it out in the final few minutes.

``When we drop away it’s self-inflicted, mostly by really soft turnovers. So, it’s just a matter of finding out what’s causing it, and then being able to push on when in positions of control.’’

The coach was happy to have the tight finish which eventuated against the Canterbury Tactix at the weekend, describing it as a positive feature of team unity.

Forced to dig deep when the Tactix fought back to within one goal with three minutes left on the clock, the Magic’s greater composure and accuracy won the day when they eked out a four-goal win.

``The last three minutes against the Tactix was a new experience and it showed how tight we are as a team and they fought their way through it,’’ Taurua said.

The ball gathering ability of the defence players, team defence in general and the ability to score a lot of goals in a short space of time were other positives for Taurua from the first half of the season.

Momentum on attack remains a work in progress.

``If we cannot get our flow in games, the players have been treating that as a negative,’’ Taurua said.

``We have to change our mindset and treat it as a positive. If it’s not on at first phase, we have to re-set and go again. We just haven’t quite got that maturity to hold it, reset and go again.

``We are improving on the attacking side of things, it’s just a matter of hammering away, perfecting it and maintaining it throughout a game.’’

The players will have this week off before re-grouping ahead of a tough assignment against the well-performed Queensland Firebirds, on June 8, in Rotorua.

``This is a clear week off break and when we come back together we set out on phase two of the competition which will be a general tightening up of everything we do,’’ Taurua said.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Magic repel strong Tactix fightback
The Colourplus Magic retained their winning momentum with a battling 54-50 win over the Canterbury Tactix in eighth-round ANZ Championship netball action in Christchurch today.

The Magic repelled a stubborn challenge from the Tactix to retain a clean sheet against their New Zealand rivals but were forced to dig deep heading into the last few minutes.
The never-say-die Tactix refused to be counted out as they revived their fortunes with a dramatic last quarter rush.

In a stirring comeback the southerners fought back from seven goals down to come within one with three minutes left on the clock.

The spirited fightback fell just short as the Tactix failed to convert crucial opportunities which in the end proved the difference.

Unable to sustain a dominant third quarter, a flustered-looking Magic were able to regain their composure in the frantic final minutes, finishing the more accurately as they held the willing southerners at bay to maintain their lead at the top of the points table.

A rearranged Tactix line-up, which featured Julie Seymour at wing defence, made a hesitant start against the previously well-oiled Magic. Showing greater efficiency through the court, the visitors looked to have a firm grip on the game as they eased out to a six-goal advantage early on.

With the Tactix lacking flow and struggling to get the ball through the imposing defensive wall of Casey Williams and Jodi Tod, the Magic looked set for a bumper afternoon.
Shooters Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia continued their recent form with a blistering start, Tutaia particularly impressive with a stream of successful long-range shots.

A late rally by the Tactix allowed the home team to stay in touch as the Magic headed into the first quarter 15-11 ahead.

The Tactix reveled in a scrappy second quarter, at their battling best when adopting a tight one-on-one marking strategy.

The Magic threatened to pull away on several occasions but persistent hustling, where Seymour was a standout, forced a flurry of turnovers. With England import Rachel Dunn finding her feet under the hoop, the tall shooter kept the Tactix in the hunt.

While the Tactix had to battle harder to get the ball goal-bound, The Magic wasted a lot of their possession in a scrappy 15 minutes. The Tactix had marginally the better of the quarter with the statistics suggesting there was little between the teams.

Unable to shake the Tactix surges, the Magic went into halftime with a 27-24 lead.

The Magic’s ability to raise their performance levels was evident from the start of the third quarter when they powered out to a seven goal advantage. Showing greater patience, the more clinical side of the Magic returned as they moved into a position of control.

Individual match-ups throughout the court continued to be a feature of the match but the Magic’s superior player power proved decisive in this quarter with the Tactix needing all their resolve to stay with the visitors.

Williams was a constant thorn with her reach and ability to read the intercept, Laura Langman her usual busy self through the midcourt and van Dyk ever-reliable as the Magic turned up the heat to convert their own and bonus turnover ball for a 43-37 threequarter time advantage.

That dominance, however, evaporated under the ever-resourceful fighting qualities of the Tactix.

The long and the short of the Magic
Press Release May 21, 2008

Age seemingly has no bounds for key Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic netball playmakers Amigene Metcalfe and Irene van Dyk.

Surrounded by young guns, the durable duo has earned the plaudits of coach Noeline Taurua for the ``unique flavour’’ they have provided during the ANZ Championship.

The pint-sized Metcalfe, the shortest player in the trans-Tasman league, and the lofty van Dyk, one of the tallest, were the standout performers in the Colourplus Magic’s latest win over the Southern Steel which propelled them to the top of the table.

Wing attack Metcalfe, 34, was in sizzling form as she dictated from the top of the circle. Easily dispatching the attentions of her markers and timing her passes to perfection, the fleet-footed midcourter served up a stream of quality ball to van Dyk.

Heavily criticised last year when the Silver Ferns lost to England, van Dyk, 35, has shown on form this season that
she is far from a spent force.

Exhibiting a new range of skills, the affable shooting machine outwitted her opponents to claim the front-running under the hoop. With it came the rare achievement of shooting the perfect game -- 33 shots from 33 attempts.

Apart from a three-goal loss in round three to the NSW Swifts, where the team in general underperformed, the pair has consistently delivered during the competition.

``They’ve been really steady leadership-wise on court and week-in week-out they just go about their business,’’ Taurua said.

``They don’t do much wrong and every now and again the cream rises to the top and they really shine. They are models of consistency.

``They add an experience and skill level that nobody else has within the game. Both of them have been consistently putting the goods out there from week to week and are more than doing their job. They add a unique flavour.’’

Mindful of the mix of talent throughout the Magic, the coach believes the two elder stateswomen are the binding force behind the team.

She said Metcalfe’s statistics are equal to those of any other wing attack in the competition and she remains the best provider to van Dyk in New Zealand.

``With Amigene, she just knows her job and what her role is and gets on with it.’’ Taurua said.

`` There are not many wing attacks in this competition who are able to control the centre pass the way she does. Usually she has two players marking her and it’s not a problem for her getting off the line. She is in most instances dominant and able to run the first and second phase play off the centre pass.

``Her game is based on pure skill rather than trying to dominate physically. She sums up what’s happening around her, sees where the defence is and then takes another angle to put herself in the clear.’’

Long on the fringes of Silver Ferns selection, Metcalfe finally got her break at 31 years of age on the 2004 tour to Australia. She was given little opportunity to impress, playing just one quarter of a match before being discarded.

``If you are just talking about form, she is right up there and could certainly still play for New Zealand,’’ Taurua said.

Into her sixth year with the Waikato/Bay of Plenty franchise, Taurua described van Dyk’s form as vintage but still evolving.

``Her timing is still not quite there but the old-fashioned basics of what make her such a good goalshoot are certainly in evidence,’’ the coach said.

``She does all the basics skillfully and I think this is the best she has played in the six years she has been with the Magic. She has added to her repertoire which has developed and progressed her game She’s doing a lot more this year than she’s ever done.’’

The Magic meet the Canterbury Tactix in round eight action in Christchurch, on Saturday.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Magic dispatch Steel to stay top
The Colourplus Magic fended off the Southern Steel 56-47 in Hamilton on Monday night to retain their status at the top of the ANZ Championship netball competition.

Elder stateswomen Amigene Metcalfe and Irene van Dyk spearheaded the Magic’s sixth win of the competition. Midcourter Metcalfe was the pivotal figure for the Magic on attack while van Dyk shot the perfect game with 33 goals from 33 attempts.

The Steel continued to pressure the Magic through the final quarter, drawing to within four goals before the home team took the ascendancy. It was a frequent trend throughout a topsy turvy encounter.

Seemingly on the back foot for much of the match, the Steel could never be quite discounted but would rue another faltering shooting effort. The Steel had 61 attempts at goal compared to the Magic’s 59 but only had a 77 percent success rate while the Magic impressed with 95 percent.

The decisive factor was the Magic’s attacking play which was a cut above the Steel’s.

Veteran midcourter Metcalfe led from the front to play an inspiring role in providing her shooters with precision ball.

The Steel used two wing defences – Debbie White and Erika Burgess – but neither could contain Metcalfe, who was all over the court. Fleet of foot and getting to the top of the circle before anyone was able to cut her off, Metcalfe showed intuitive understanding with van Dyk to produce some outstanding phases.

Reveling in the quality of service, van Dyk responded with a masterful display in the circle.

The timing and positional play of van Dyk and Metcalfe helped the Magic to a 14-11 first quarter advantage as they held out the dogged southerners.

The Magic put their foot down in the second quarter, upping the tempo with their speedy through court play which stretched them out to a 10-goal advantage at one stage.

The Steel refused to buckle, responding with some strong passages of play to stay in the hunt as they trimmed the deficit. When able to move the ball at speed, the visitors made vital inroads but retaining the momentum proved a big ask.

Little separated the teams in the possession stakes but the southerners could not duplicate the same shooting accuracy and their error rate helped the Magic to a 31-25 halftime lead.

It was a similar scenario in the third quarter. The Magic could not shake the Steel completely as fortunes between the pair ebbed and flowed. Little bursts of dominancy by one team were quickly replicated by the other.

Play at times was scrappy as errors plagued both teams. The Magic were unable to break away while shooter Daneka Wipiiti kept the Steel in the hunt through this period with a steady stream of goals as the Magic headed into the final 15 minutes 43-36 ahead.

Williams soaring to new levels
Press Release May 15, 2008

The career of dynamic Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic netball defender Casey Williams seemingly knows no bounds.

By her own admission, the lanky Colourplus Magic custodian was `` a little bit off’’ in the opening rounds of the ANZ Championships but she has literally taken off in recent weeks.

Pocketing the player of the match award in the Magic’s last three outings, the 1.88m Williams has made up for lost time with a run of stellar performances.

``The first two games were just a nightmare,’’ she said.

``It might have just been starting the competition, nerves, new combinations….I don’t know but I think now I seem to have the confidence to do stuff. And the people around me are really helping me at the moment.’’

The Hamilton student is an uncomplicated person and she plays her netball the same way. Modest and unassuming, Williams, 22, does not play the enforcer role that is often associated with a defender but rather, relies on her athletic ability of which her jumping prowess and timing, combined with her height, are custom-made for the position.

``It’s certainly not all about getting player of the match but that does help, it has boosted my confidence and confirmed that I’m doing something right,’’ she said.

``At the moment I’m trying to concentrate on getting away to a good start and not just starting to really play in the last quarter……just trying to get that consistency. The last game (Northern Mystics) was a lot better but I’m still starting slow in games.’’

Williams has continued to make the headlines since being plucked out of the seventh form at Matamata College by Magic coach Noeline Taurua in 2003 to play in the National Bank Cup. Two years later she was playing for the Silver Ferns after a rapid rise through the New Zealand under-21 and New Zealand A team ranks.

Modest to the core, Williams is quick to praise the support she gets from her defensive allies Jodi Tod, Joline Henry and Laura Langman, who combine to form a potent combination.

``Their presence just gives you so much confidence,’’ she said.

``You just know that if you go for something that somebody is going to be there to cover your back if you don’t get it. There’s just that extra little bit of ….I guess you’d call it trust.

``The reason I get turnovers is because of them.’’

Williams is forming a strong connection with Tod, the in-circle defensive pairing growing in stature with each outing.

``The biggest thing is we’re having fun as well as learning at the same time about each other because we've never actually played together before,’’ Williams said.

``I think perhaps she’s (Tod) been a little bit under-rated, we are developing a good rapport in the circle and there’s a lot of positive feedback between us.’’

After six rounds of the 14-round competition, Williams believes the Magic have set new standards with each outing. Sitting at the top of the table with the Queensland Firebirds, the defender has no doubts about further improvement.

``We think we’re sitting around 75 percent of our full potential at the moment,’’ she said.

``When we started we were probably around 50-60 percent and with each training and each game we are slowly continuing to build.’’

Williams is a proven match-winner and was the premier individual performer at last year’s world championships. With defenders tending to mature later, Williams is still really in her infancy but poised to become the game’s greatest goalkeeper.

The Magic’s next match is against the Southern Steel at Mystery Creek in Hamilton, on Monday night.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Magic finish snuffs out Mystics
The Waikato/Bay of Penty Magic bolted away in the final quarter to record a decisive 59-45 win over the Northern Mystics in the ANZ Championship netball competition tonight.

Custodian Casey Williams was to the forefront of a withering final 15 minutes from the Magic with an outstanding allround game. And at the other end of the court Maria Tutaia sparkled under the hoop, taking the pressure of Irene van Dyk to sink goals from all points of the circle.

After a tight first threequarters, the Magic showed all their class and experience in lifting to another gear to snuff out the Mystics challenge, the northerners remaining winless at home.

The Magic enjoyed a slight advantage in the possession stakes early on but had to work hard to shake off a dogged Mystics defensive line. A couple of errors in the Mystics attack line let the Magic nose marginally in front 15-13 heading into the first break.

Powerful young goalshoot Cathrine Latu was a shining light under the hoop for the Mystics, converting everything that came her way but denied the luxury of more ball.

The visitors made a sizzling start to the second quarter, irrepressible on the fast break, the Magic were quickly out to a five-goal lead as they took advantage of some loose Mystics play.

Playing a lone hand at times, Latu remained staunch under the Mystics goal as the speed of the game picked up to provide plenty of thrills and spills.

The menacing figure of Williams continued to make her presence felt as she proved a constant threat under anything aerial.

The growing rapport between van Dyk and Tutaia was evident as the pair showed some great instinctive touches. Tutaia’s work rate and involvement in the game provided the major difference as the Mystics could not match her play at the other end.

A late rally enabled the Mystics to stay well in touch with the quarter finishing even and the Magic retaining their two-goal advantage to lead 29-27 at halftime.

The third quarter started in messy fashion as the ball swung furiously from end to end. Both sets of defences had their moments at thwarting their opponents with Williams again to the fore.

When play settled, it was the Magic who provided the superior poise and finishing as they withheld several strong raids by the Mystics.

Despite the best efforts of the inspiring Temepara George, who was all over the court, and the unflinching Latu, the Mystics lacked the consistency to crack the well-drilled Magic.

Magic target New Zealand teams
Press Release May 8, 2008

Negating their four New Zealand netball rivals is the key focus for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic during what will be a defining month of the ANZ Championships.

Colourplus Magic took the first step towards their goal of a New Zealand whitewash when they dispatched the Central Pulse by 17 goals last weekend as the 10 teams in the competition settled on their respective sides of the Tasman for four weeks of match-ups against their own.

With only one round of trans-Tasman clashes, the two rounds of home-based matches have taken on extra significance.

With the Magic currently sitting in second spot on the table, coach Noeline Taurua is expecting the scramble for points to intensify during this vital little patch of the competition.

Having already played two of the top Australian teams (the Thunderbirds and NSW Swifts), the Magic are handily placed but need positive outcomes against the other New Zealand teams to keep ahead of the pack.

``It’s interesting where the New Zealand teams are placed and a lot of them still haven’t played those big teams from Australia so it puts a real urgency on the New Zealand teams to win their New Zealand games to be in contention,’’ Taurua said.

``At the moment a lot of those teams are below us so there will be a desperation from all of them to target us for vital points.’’

The Magic meet a resurgent Northern Mystics team, coming off their first win of the competition, in Auckland on Monday. That is followed by matches against the Southern Steel and Canterbury Tactix.

``We have had the view from the beginning of the season that winning the New Zealand matches would be vital, knowing that we’ve got the Vixens in Melbourne and the Queensland Firebirds to come,’’ Taurua said.

``You have to be aware of the importance of the home games as well as progressing each week in terms of building and becoming better equipped to tackle the difficulties and challenges the Australian matches present.

``All New Zealand teams have struggled against the one-on-one marking of the Australians so we can’t afford to ignore that. We have to get tighter on our defensive play and incorporating that into our games in the weeks ahead is vital.

``We also have to get stronger in our attack so we’re not relying on the call of the umpires and that means absorbing more of the bash (physical nature). At the moment it’s slow progress.’’

Taurua is happy to be facing a Mystics team fresh off a win, believing another loss would have made the northerners an even more difficult proposition.

``I don’t think they’ve quite hit their straps as yet,’’ she said.

`` They will be boosted by their win, especially achieving it in Invercargill which is always a tough place to win.’’

In probably their best game of the competition, the Mystics provided a testing challenge for the Magic in round two. After a tight tussle the Magic finally prevailed by four goals and Taurua is expecting the upcoming encounter to be of a similar calibre.

After securing a huge amount of ball in games to date, the coach is looking for improvement in the Magic’s finishing.

``At the moment we are too inconsistent and there is plenty of room to improve our conversion rate,’’ she said.

``We get a lot of extra ball off our defensive strengths but it’s a waste of time if we can’t convert that into goals.’’

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Magic on the rise, says Henry
Press Release April 30, 2008

A shift in position for Joline Henry has helped an improving Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic re-enforce their credentials as serious contenders in the ANZ Championship netball competition.

Stung by a loss to the NSW Swifts and less than convincing outings in the first three rounds, the Colourplus Magic moved up a gear to produce their most polished performance to date in the 14-goal win over the West Coast Fever last weekend.

The move of Henry, 25, across court from goal defence to wing defence was pivotal in the quick clearance of ball through court, enabling a better set-up for the attackers. The effect of more flow and quick release of the ball had a substantial impact on the Magic’s general play which lifted several notches across all players.

``It was definitely a step up from our previous outings,’’ Henry said.

``You could see the flow coming and everyone’s timing and the links were a little bit better so we were really pleased to have taken a step forward but still realising we’ve got so much more to give.’’

The versatile Henry can play most positions on the court after starting her netball career as a shooter when she made her debut for the Western Flyers in the inaugural national league in 1998 as a 15-year-old Wanganui schoolgirl.

Naturally feisty and hard-nosed, Henry doesn’t take too many backward steps on the court. Constantly barking instructions to her team-mates and the odd one to the opposition, the wing defence position lends itself to taking a full involvement, an environment in which Henry thrives.

Her ability to cart the ball forward was well supported by her nuisance value around the edge of the circle where she was a constant thorn for the Fever attackers.

``I’m there for the team and I’ll do any job asked to the best of my abilities even if I have to carry the oranges,’’ she said.

``I don’t really care where I am on court as long as I’m out there but that game proved a good starting point for me considering I had just one training session in the position prior to the game.

``I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was a good first outing in the position and I’m looking forward to really growing it.’’

Henry was loath to get too carried away just yet but suggested the performance against the Fever did bode well for the road ahead.

``There’s a whole lot to come from this team yet,’’ she said.

``What’s exciting is that can be termed as a good outing. I thought individually Irene (van Dyk) and Maria (Tutaia) had superb games and while everyone else played well, I know they have more to give. Knowing that we have five or six players yet to hit their straps, and we can come away with a 14-point win has got to be pretty exciting.

``When we all hit our straps at the same time, I don’t think we are just going to match other teams, we’re going to blow them out of the water.’’

Looking ahead, Henry said it was important the team were just as analytical of a winning performance as a losing one.

The Magic meet the winless Pulse in fifth round action in Hamilton on Saturday.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Mental toughness the key, says Magic coach
Press Release April 23, 2008

Despite the obvious firepower within their ranks, the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic will need to play smarter netball if they are to make inroads in the ANZ Championship.

That’s the verdict from Colourplus Magic coach Noeline Taurua after her team’s faltering efforts against the NSW Swifts in round three.

The unexpected loss denied the Magic a chance to get a mini jump on the chasing pack, instead consigning them to a share of top spot with six other teams, all sitting on two wins and one loss in the 10-team competition.

In a pattern that is emerging across the competition, the Magic’s attacking platform was dismantled by a willing and aggressive opposing defence.

The New Zealand teams are beginning to appreciate the challenges presented by playing in a trans-Tasman competition and the tenacious approach of their Australian counterparts.

``The Australians are very good grafters and will do the basic set plays over and over,’’ Taurua said.

``They are very good at wearing you down. If things aren’t going right in your team, there’s also that added constant pressure of being worn down by them which takes its toll on your whole structure.’’

Despite having five Silver Ferns in their midst, the Magic have not responded well to teams stalling their natural fast-flowing game and that is an area of concern for Taurua.

``The reality is that teams are, whenever possible, going to try and stop us playing like that,’’ she said.

``For me, it’s not the game plan or the structure it’s the player’s mental approach. We have to learn about doing the simple things and putting in the graft, taking the hits and whatever else is going on and waiting for the openings to happen.

``And they will happen. You’ve just got to grind it out. We’re too impatient and we want things to happen now.’’

The Magic have little time to put things right with the West Coast Fever, buoyed by their deserved win over the Northern Mystics, waiting in the wings.

Taurua has a healthy respect for the Fever, who showed all the hallmarks of the tenacious Australian attitude to unhinge the more fancied Mystics. They have also had a week together in New Zealand preparing for Saturday’s clash at Mystery Creek, in Hamilton.

Most games to date have been punctuated by a high turnover rate, an aspect that Taurua said could be a feature throughout the competition as strong defensive play is often proving the difference.

``I don’t think attacking skills have fallen away,’’ she said.

``Defensively your job is to spoil while for the attackers it’s about being able to mentally withstand the constant pressure that’s being exerted….the constant pressure they face when receiving the ball, turning and letting it go with the prospect of the opposition having their hands all over the ball, getting hit and a variety of other unsettling tactics.

``There is no let-up in this competition and the mentally strong will prevail.’’

Taurua will be looking for a greater attacking role from her defenders against the Fever. Getting the defenders to bring the ball through the midcourt should help with the flow and timing in the attacking third.

``Although we played poorly against the Swifts, we still had the opportunity to win the game,’’ she said.

``We had a lot of ball in hand. It’s the same old thing….we do have a lot of firepower, we’ve just got to finish it off.

``If we didn’t have any ball, then we’d have problems but it certainly hasn’t got to that stage.’’

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Van Dyk’s game set to expand
Press Release April 16, 2008

Shooting ace Irene van Dyk is set to add to her already considerable netballing repertoire thanks to the arrival of Maria Tutaia at the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic.

At 35, van Dyk is the elder stateswoman in the Colourplus Magic line-up but is showing no signs of slowing down.
The backbone of most teams she has played in and often playing a lone shooting hand, van Dyk is reveling in Tutaia’s presence in the circle and the qualities she presents.

The pair has combined previously for the Silver Ferns but more time together, the maturing of the talented Tutaia and the coaching nous of Noeline Taurua is helping shape a formidable shooting partnership.

Tutaia’s cracking start to the season has helped lift the enormous pressure which has confronted van Dyk for most of her career where she has taken the bulk of the shooting load.

``I feel redundant at times,’’ quipped van Dyk of her new-found status.

``For me it has been great. It has opened up our circle and given us more options, putting the defence in two frames of mind.

``It’s fabulous and it is still early days so we will continue to grow together as a unit.’’

With confidence in her partner, van Dyk has found she now has the freedom to introduce new aspects to her game.
During the Magic’s second-round win over the Northern Mystics, there was more involvement from the lofty shooter outside the circle and she was found away from her customary position under the hoop to sink a couple of long range bombs.

``This whole mix has added to my game,’’ van Dyk said.

``I’m not the kind of person to sit back and think I know it all. I am still learning and I’m now in the position where I draw confidence from her (Tutaia) and the attackers around us.’’

Van Dyk will continue to persevere with the long shot, the combined height of the pair at 1.90 and 1.88m respectively providing ample resources for rebounds.

``It’s incredible to have Maria as a partner, van Dyk said.

``She’s stepped up, she shoots from anywhere, she’s playing with confidence and I think it’s a total new Maria we’re seeing.

``There were a lot of people who said she would be playing in my shadow but at the moment, she’s kicking my butt big time. It is phenomenal and so nice to see. It is great to be playing with someone of such potential and she is still only in the beginning of her career. There’s only one way for her to go …and that’s up.’’

Facing their first game on the road, against the NSW Swifts in Newcastle on Saturday will present a new set of challenges in third round action for the Magic.

The Magic will train tomorrow morning (Thursday) in Auckland before setting off on a marathon 10-hour trip to Newcastle via Brisbane and Sydney.

``They’re flying us around the world to get there but hey, we’re sorted. All the teams have to do it and there’s no point getting hung up about it,’’ van Dyk said.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Tutaia poised to make her mark
 Press Release  April 10, 2008

Long considered a rare talent, shooter Maria Tutaia’s growing maturity was pivotal in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic’s battling first-round ANZ Championship netball win.
A new recruit to Colourplus Magic for the inaugural trans-Tasman competition, the 22-test Silver Fern made a strong statement during the team’s opening round four-goal win against the highly-rated Adelaide Thunderbirds.
A Silver Fern since 2005, Tutaia, 21, has not always delivered on her enormous natural talent, with moments of brilliance being overshadowed by a lack of consistency.
Against the Thunderbirds, Tutaia withstood the close attention of one of the game’s most tenacious defenders in Mo’onia Gerrard before unleashing an inspiring final quarter which could well have marked her coming of age at the elite level.
Able to shoot from long range and adding subtle movement at crucial times during the game, Tutaia stepped up to play a definitive role in the circle. Without wanting to make an issue of it, the Magic were struggling for composure with eight of their 12-strong playing roster suffering ill-health.
Irene van Dyk, one of the worst affected, was late getting back on court after one of the breaks due to a prolonged bout of vomiting in the changing rooms.
Changes to her attitude have coincided with the lanky shooter’s arrival at the Magic, where hard work is ensuring that her talent is maximised on a regular basis and she is thriving in her new environment.
``This is a huge competition and if you don’t step up to the mark you’re just going to get eaten alive so I knew I definitely had to crank my game up another notch or two this year,’’ she said.
Since her elevation to the Silver Ferns as a teenager, Tutaia has generally been earmarked as the heir apparent to shooting maestro van Dyk. It is a heavy burden to carry at such a young age but she readily agrees that to date, she has not matched the same exacting standards of the week-in week-out consistency that has long been the hallmark of van Dyk’s game.
``Consistency is a huge factor,’’ she said. ``Obviously you want to perform as best as you can on court and that all comes down to what you do in training.’’
To that end, the training ethics of her fitness fanatic team-mates Laura Langman and Joline Henry have paid big dividends for Tutaia.
``I couldn’t have asked for two better people to take me under their wing,’’ Tutaia said.
``To be honest, I haven’t trained like this ever…. it’s been really hard and we’ve put in a lot of extra sessions on top of the normal load.’’
Relocating to Hamilton, from Auckland, Tutaia flats with Henry, describing her as an ``awesome athlete.’’ She credits the time spent with Henry, particularly in the training environment, as helping change her mindset.
``It has just given me the great motivation to want to be like her in how she prepares…..to train as hard as her and that is definitely starting to pay off,’’ she said.
``Fitness, or lack of, has been one of the features for me (in the past) of not performing as well on court but I’m feeling great right now and this is probably the fittest I’ve ever been.’’
Magic coach Noeline Taurua said it had to be remembered that Tutaia only started playing full games for her Diamonds franchise in last year’s National Bank Cup and her continued exposure would steadily reveal more of her untapped potential.
Tutaia will square off against some of her old team-mates when the Magic play the Northern Mystics in round two action in Rotorua, on Sunday.
 
Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Magic coach backs shooters to do the job
Press Release April 3, 2008

Shooters Maria Tutaia and Irene van Dyk hold the key for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic’s opening round clash of the ANZ Championship netball competition in Rotorua, on Monday night. Spearheaded by five Silver Ferns, the highly-fancied Magic face a potentially tricky opening match against a well-stocked Adelaide Thunderbirds team in their first outing of the new semi-professional trans-Tasman competition featuring five teams each from New Zealand and Australia. Magic coach Noeline Taurua is happy to face one of the dangerous Australian franchises first-up at home and with New Zealand umpires in control while teams are still in the settling-in phase.

With Australian internationals Natalie Medhurst (shooter), Natalie von Bertouch (midcourt) and Mo’onia Gerrard (defence) sprinkled throughout the court, the Thunderbirds are further boosted by the presence of well-performed England defender Geva Mentor to provide a potent mix. ``They are a strong team right throughout the court and defensively they’re quite strong in-circle,’’ Taurua said. ``The good thing about meeting them early is that their connections won’t be as good as they will be later on. ``There is an uncertainty coming up against the Australian style and with the polish not quite there yet it will come down to team structure and discipline with the ball. ``Defensively, it should be a strong game from both teams but I think if we have it over them anywhere it will be in our shooting circle. Both our shooters have high percentages and Maria can shoot the long ones as well so we’ve probably got more variation in the circle.’’ The Magic’s powerful in-circle defensive pairing of Joline Henry and Casey Williams could also prove a handful for the Thunderbirds shooters. ``We’ve taken big steps in the last couple of weeks in regards to structure, consolidating in terms of combinations and just being a bit more controlled in what we’re doing,’’ Taurua said. ``We’ll still definitely be under-done by the time we hit the first game but overall we’re heading in the right direction.’’

Mindful of the lengthy 14-round season ahead, Taurua has deliberately held her players back and is expecting a mixture of pent-up eagerness and excitement as the first game unfolds. ``We’ve been working on our structure a lot,’’ she said. ``We know that the links aren’t quite there and the connection between the units (each third of the court) is still not there but the attack, midcourt and defensive units are quite strong in their own right and the understanding is improving all the time. ``Those things will come with more game time at that higher level and the players getting to know each other better under stress and pressure. That will come automatically, we’ve just got to hold tight and be disciplined until it does come.’’ New Zealand and Australian teams will play their own country’s franchises twice on a home-and-away basis and their trans-Tasman counterparts once each during the round robin. New Zealand umpires will control games played in New Zealand while Australia’s whistle blowers will do likewise in Australia. Meanwhile, New Zealand-wide company Colourplus recently signed as the Magic’s naming rights sponsor. “We are 100 percent committed to supporting Colourplus Magic in 2008 and we are looking forward to an exciting and highly competitive competition,’’ Jacobsen Colourplus chief executive officer Dave Ryan said.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Colourplus named as Magics principal sponsor.

80 to 90 people gathered in Morrinsville, including the Waikato Bay of Plenty Netball Team to learn who the naming rights sponsor was going to be for the team for the ANZ Championship. Board Chair, Peter de Luca, announced that Colourplus had joined the other sponsors that Magic had including Vodafone, Bayleys and a number of others. “The team will now be known as Colourplus Magic and we believe that there are many synergies that we have. Naturally, we are delighted to have a New Zealand wide naming rights sponsor to take us into this new competition the ANZ Championship.”

Dave Ryan, CEO of Jacobsen Colourplus said, “We are 100% committed to supporting Colourplus Magic in 2008 and we are looking forward to an exciting and highly competitive competition. We have 42 stores throughout New Zealand. The Morrinsville Colourplus were really keen to see this partnership occur and so this is where we are launching from.”

Team Captain, Amigene Metcalfe spoke of the similarity between the goals of the team and those of Colourplus and felt that this in itself saw a strong link between the two.

Following the announcement of the sponsorship the large number of brunch guests were joined by the public, some of whom who had come dressed up in the Colourplus Magic colours ready for the shoot out among teams of three. Morrinsville College won the shoot out.

Old rival to give Magic a helping hand
Press Release March 17, 2008

Coach Noeline Taurua is hoping an Australian touch will help put the polish on her Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic team three weeks out from the ANZ Championship netball competition. Fresh from the weekend’s final pre-season hit-out matches in Te Awamutu, Taurua has virtually sealed her two preferred playing combinations and is now intent on fine-tuning.

For that, she has enlisted the help of old adversary and now head coach of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) team Simone McKinnis. The pair played in the same era during the 1990s which Australia completely dominated, with McKinnis, who is widely regarded as the best wing defence to grace the game, leaving a lasting impression on Taurua. McKinnis, who was in Te Awamutu with her AIS team, accepted Taurua’s invitation to stay on for an extra day to run a Magic training session.
The AIS, whose players are all 21 or younger, impressed Taurua with their patience and calmness under pressure. Her star-studded Magic line-up produced plenty of razzle-dazzle during the weekend but Taurua is looking to improve their ability to weigh up situations and play accordingly. ``I want us to learn that it doesn’t always have to be a lightening-quick tempo and there is time to look at the options and think about it,’’ she said. ``I liked that about the AIS team and it means you retain a structure to your game. ``The second thing is I just like what Simone was about as a player…the cunningness, being able to get around players without touching and playing that inner game with your opposition. ``She was just the best wing defence over a 10-12 year period and I still think when you look at the current crop of wing defences, she remains very comparable to what’s around.’’

Taurua was happy with the weekend’s work which featured ANZ Championship teams the NSW Swifts, Central Pulse and Canterbury Tactix. ``We ended up with not bad structure and two nice (team) options in there, so now it’s just looking to solidify all that,’’ she said. The favoured attack line will included Silver Ferns shooters Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia with the evergreen Amigene Metcalfe at wing attack. Livewire midcourter Laura Langman is likely to rove between centre and wing defence depending on the circumstances with Nic Cooney and impressive former Flame Jodi Tod sharing those duties as well. The athletic prowess of Joline Henry and Casey Williams will combine to form the in-circle defence pairing to complete an imposing line-up. ``I want to have a couple of options up my sleeve that can really change a game depending on the speed, tone and fitness at the time,’’ Taurua said.

The coach is unconcerned about the lack of game-time leading into the competition. The team will have a week’s break over Easter before a final two weeks of fine-tuning ahead of their first match against the Adelaide Thunderbirds, in Rotorua, on April 7.
``I’ve been holding them back for a little while now,’’ Taurua said. `` Consistency and maintaining intensity are the key issues and we have to be patient with that and do the simple things until we improve our flow.’’

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Success in Waipa
Media Release 17 March, 2008

Waipa Weekend was a success both on and off the court. The testing of the new stoppage rule ran with relative ease for umpires, bench officials and teams. The ten minute half time did not appear to impact on any particular group including the public. As one avid supporter said “it seemed to go so quickly with or without entertainment and the teams look to be using it with longer discussions followed by a warm up.” The event was a first class lead up to the ANZ Championship for four of the five teams. The AIS who got the chance to play in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy and are now without that opportunity enjoyed the chance to play the ANZ Championship Teams Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, Suzuki Pulse, Skope Tactix, and NSW Swifts along with a selection of Bay of Plenty players preparing for the Lois Muir Challenge. All teams tried different combinations and all appeared to be quite happy with where they were at, at this point in time. NSW Swifts were delighted that Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic played what appears to be their top line up possibilities against them.

The Waipa Sponsors played a Bay of Plenty Invitation Team and found themselves having a lot of fun but not scoring too many points. This is the highlight for the large team of sponsors who contribute to the running of the weekend.

Waipa Weekend Results
Friday 14th March

Pulse 45 vs Swifts 40
Team 55 vs sponsors 4
Magic 58 vs AIS 44

Saturday 15th March

Pulse 38 vs Magic 39
AIS 50 vs Swifts 63
Tactix 44 vs Magic 46
Pulse 28 vs AIS 52
Tactix 49 vs Swifts 59

Sunday 16th March

Tactix 38 vs Pulse 39
AIS 54 vs BOP 34
Swifts 48 vs Magic 63

Monzee signs with Magic
Media Release 10 March, 2008

Monzee Magic has become the official name of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic mascot, following a seven-week competition where hundreds of names were entered from the netball faithful. The cartoon character used for Magic Mates, the supporters group for the younger age groups will now come alive as a mascot which is a new concept for the Magic. Monzee Magic will feature at all home games as a regular netball kind of a girl.

Launched in late January through the Waikato Times, the naming of the mascot proved a challenging competition for both the entrants and the selection panel as a raft of options was mulled over.

However, it’s hats off to the lucky winner, 16 year old Taylor Jack from Mount Maunganui, who will receive $200 and a Fantasy hospitality package which includes a table of 10 to a game of her choice. Taylor is a fan of the television show Friends and Monica on the show, who is really competitive just like the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic players, was her inspiration. “I like adapting names and thought that Monzee was a little more edgy than Monica. My friends and I have all been ball persons or given out programmes at some stage for Magic matches and so this is a great way for us to enjoy a match.”

When contacted Taylor was asked if she knew that Monica (Leggat) was also the name of New Zealand Netball and Magic icon’s name Taylor’s response was “cool, she is a nice lady who was always at the Magic games.”

Monica Leggat laughed when told that the Magic Mascot had been named and that it was an adaptation of her name that had won the competition. “I have had a very strong connection with all things related to the Magic Team and the link with the mascot Monzee Magic continues my association and support of Magic in another way.”

There has been plenty of action behind the scenes as the Magic personnel prepare for a new era with the inaugural ANZ Championships just around the corner. There has been a special emphasis on re-designing the corporate packages, an area in netball where there is plenty of room for expansion. The Magic think tank has come up with some innovative and exciting concepts set around corporate packages and group entertainment.

Rae Mellsop, Operations Manager said, ``we believe now that the whole occasion (around the game) is much more of an entertainment spectacle. There is more for a corporate to gain from a hospitality occasion whether it is for entertaining clients, rewarding staff or social club occasions. So, we’ve got various levels of hospitality to offer and not just corporate.’’ In a relatively new concept to New Zealand a kid’s hospitality package will be trialed called Fantasy. “Fantasy is a great option for the younger set. There really isn’t any reason why they shouldn’t do the hospitality thing with their friends and enjoy the whole party atmosphere and build up to the game that the adults are allowed to enjoy,’’ Mellsop said. ``We’re kind of showing them from a younger age that it doesn’t just have to be about the game, it can be more of an entertainment experience for them. It is envisaged it will be used for birthday parties, groups of friends, school and club netball teams, or just a general kid’s day out where they can sit with their mates and will get to enjoy a social and sporting experience through the Fantasy package.

There are other Corporate Hospitality Packages available. Spellbound, Presto and Magic FanAticks.

Magic look for better at Waipa
Press Release March 10, 2008

Satisfied with the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic’s first ``blow out’’ in the semi-professional netball era, coach Noeline Taurua is expecting further improvement in their second outing this weekend. Four teams – the Magic, Central Pulse, Canterbury and the NSW Swifts – from the 10 to compete in the inaugural ANZ Championship, plus the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) will attend the annual Magic-hosted Waipa Weekend pre-season tournament to be held at the Te Awamutu Events Centre starting on Friday night. The Magic produced a mixed bag of results at the pre-season opening tournament in Sydney last weekend where all 10 teams were on show. In the half-hour matches, the Magic had a three-win three-loss return in recording wins over the AIS, Swifts and Adelaide Thunderbirds and losses to the Melbourne Vixens, Canterbury and West Coast Fever.

Taurua described the Sydney weekend as an invaluable experience, particularly in regards to the travel factor which contributed to their two below par performances on Friday which were consigned to the ``written-off’’ basket. ``The scores weren’t an important factor but the conditions we went through on that first day taught us a lot,’’ Taurua said. ``By the Saturday we started to get our structure heading in the right direction and by the last game on Sunday we were humming and that was a bit scary. We ended the tournament strong as a team which has added to our team unity. ``The pleasing thing is we finished better than we started which means we made progress. The other pleasing aspect was individually, everybody in the team contributed.’’

In a team boasting plenty of firepower with five Silver Ferns in the line-up and the experience of wily campaigner Amigene Metcalfe, Taurua was especially pleased with the efforts of the newcomers. The coach was able to get all the fresh faces on court with each having their moments against some classy opposition. ``Rachel (Beale), Keisha (Grant), Halana (Leith) and Jodi (Todd)…..all of those new ones who have just come into the team, they have moved forward incredibly. It was brilliant to see and they certainly stood up,’’ Taurua said. With hour-long games on the programme, the Waipa tournament will be a more accurate indicator of the progress made.

Taurua is aiming to extend the amount of court time players get and will start looking seriously at defined combinations.``Being full length games this weekend will make a big difference and be a much more realistic situation to what lies ahead,’’ Taurua said. ``All teams will be looking to build on from last week. For us, we have to improve and move ahead from what we achieved last weekend. At the moment the feel is very good and we’re very tight as a team unit but this is another test to get a strong indication of where we sit. ``I know there’s a lot of potential in this group and there’s a lot yet to come but we have to be mindful there’s a whole four months of pure competition ahead to run that through.’’

The new rules around injuries and the quarter and halftime breaks will also be in place at Waipa. ``We had a bit of a taste of the injury rule in Sydney and although we have added it into our training, it still seemed to go extra fast in a real game situation. So, this will be a good opportunity to have another go at it and to prepare ourselves as much as possible before the real thing,’’ Taurua said.

The first round of the ANZ Championship will be held over the first weekend in April.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Magic Have a Mixed Results at Sydney Weekend
March 10, 2008

The first of the pre season weekends saw three wins and three losses for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Team. The fifteen minute each way matches meant that not a lot could be taken out of the results apart from the opportunity to give all players the chance to play and test themselves against possible opposition combinations.

The team travelled on Friday and played two matches on the Friday night which saw a 33 to 19 loss against the Melbourne Vixens and a 34 to 24 loss against the Canterbury Tactix.

The first win came against the AIS, 25 to 10, in the teams’ first Saturday match but this was followed by a 29 to 25 loss against the West Coast Fever. The final match of the day saw a 27 to 22 win over the NSW Swifts.

Sunday’s game against the Adelaide Thunderbirds saw a 25 to 20 win to Magic. The comments that came from the Australian commentators were “that Irene van Dyk and Laura Langman were the crowd pleasers and that Magic has the strength and talent and is expected to be at the top of the rankings when it counts in July.

Metcalfe back at the helm for the Magic
Press Release March 5, 2008

Amigene Metcalfe is set to re-establish her leadership credentials as the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic head into their first netball outing of the semi-professional era this weekend, in Sydney. All 10 teams – five each from New Zealand and Australia – involved in the inaugural ANZ Championship plus the Australia Institute of Sport (AIS) will compete in the pre-season tournament starting on Friday evening.
Midcourt veteran Metcalfe, who played over 50 games for the Magic during the National Bank Cup, makes a return after missing last year for the birth of her second child.
Dynamic movement, silky ball skills and natural leadership qualities make Metcalfe, 34, a pivotal team member. Her experience will be a key component to the Magic’s fortunes heading into the new era.

Honoured to be installed as captain, Metcalfe said her job would be made easier by a core group of senior players in a team which contains five Silver Ferns. ``The captaincy sits quite comfortably with me now,’’ she said. ``It’s never been something I’ve gone out and sought but I guess as you get older, the experience and what you learn can be valuable to other people. I just look at it as having to go out and do my job and wherever I can offer something, I do it.’’ Despite the Magic stacking up as one of the heavyweights of the new competition, Metcalfe remains wary of the road ahead.
``Success always makes for an easier environment but this competition is going to be longer and more intense,’’ she said. ``It is largely uncharted territory and you never know how much things are going to swing and how much intervention’s going to be needed.’’ After a testing two months of training and fitness work the team are relishing the opportunity of some live opposition. ``Everyone is looking forward to it because it’s been hard yakka the last couple of months. We’ve had simulated games against each other but nothing really gets you going as much as competing against another opposition that you don’t know a lot about,’’ she said. ``It’s really hard to get your head away from that winning mentality but really the focus is getting everyone on court, trying out different combinations and just consolidating on a lot of the set piece work that we’ve been doing.’’

Coach Noeline Taurua has been impressed with Metcalfe’s form in the build-up and said she was a highly respected figure both on and off the court in the Magic set-up.Taurua has a list of objectives for the weekend which include to keep building the foundation, give quality court time to all team members, work to set game plans, to record key the learnings on the opposition and to soak up the experience. ``At this stage it’s not about winning, we’re not quite at that stage yet…it’s more a gauge of the here and now to show that we are on the right path,’’ Taurua said. Because of time constraints, games will be played over two 15 minute halves. The Magic play the Melbourne Vixens and the Canterbury Tactix on Friday night, the Southern Steel, AIS, West Coast Fever and NSW Swifts on Saturday and the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Sunday. They will not meet the Queensland Firebirds, the Central Pulse or the Northern Mystics.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Rule changes set to impact
Press Release February 27, 2008

Significant international rule changes have forced a major re-think for franchise coaches ahead of April’s inaugural ANZ Championship netball competition.

Extending the halftime break to 10 minutes and the tightening up of stoppage time for injuries have introduced a new set of challenges five weeks out from the start of the semi-professional competition involving five teams each from New Zealand and Australia. Quarter time breaks will be of four minutes duration.

Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic coach Noeline Taurua has been incorporating the new break times during training sessions over the past few weeks. Acknowledging the changes will present a big change to the tempo and structure of a match, Taurua said adapting may take a little while to perfect. Of more concern is the injury ruling where each team is allowed up to two minutes for the first injury of each quarter. Any subsequent injuries in the quarter are allotted just 30 seconds. If unable to be treated in this time, the team has the choice of leaving the position open or replacing the player. If the position is left open, the previously injured player can re-take the court after the next goal is scored. The injured player can return to the game after treatment at a quarter break. Unlike in the past, coaches will not be allowed on the court during an injury break. ``The impact of these changes is going to be huge,’’ Taurua said. ``It’s going to take time to adjust. We have to get smarter and as a team management we have to be able to work within the time allocated as to what’s going to be the best for the team and the needs of the individuals. ``I won’t be able to coach or offer any advice during those breaks. This is a lot trickier because of the logistics and I will be relying on people like the physio to help out.’’

The immediacy of players having to leave court with an injury means the bench players will need to be more prepared -- both mentally and physically – than they have in the past, she added. Exercise bikes could become common place courtside as teams look to keep players warmed up during the extended 10-minute halftime break and for players to go on court at short notice. ``The four minutes we can probably live with but 10 minutes is very long and we would probably have to do another warm-up before starting the third quarter,’’ Taurua said. ``The 10 minutes will be quite easy to manage, it’s just a matter of getting your systems right and how you want to work it.’’
The changes were ratified at an International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA) meeting of Congress held to discuss a variety of the game’s rules at last year’s world championships in Auckland.

The halftime break can now be five or 10 minutes with the event organiser determining its preference, the ANZ Championship opting for the longer interval to cater for sponsorship, television and entertainment requirements. It is hoped changes to the injury rule will reduce the number of stoppages.``The intent behind the rule is to reduce the opportunity for coaching at stoppage breaks, to increase the flow of the game and to ensure that stoppages are valid,’’ Netball New Zealand Game Development Manager Kate Agnew said. ``These changes will require extra thinking by teams and preparation, particularly for the 30 second changes, bench players will need to be warmed up during the game and it will interesting to see what teams decide to do. The key will be how people use it and how they interpret each rule.’’

There will be little time for teams to test the waters before the competition begins on April 5. A pre-season tournament in Sydney on March 7-9 in which all 10 teams are set to participate will play only half-hour games because of time constraints. The annual Magic-hosted Waipa Weekend tournament on March 14-16 will employ the four-minute quarter and 10-minute halftime breaks but the new injury rule will not be in use.

Jane Hunt
Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic publicity
Ph: 021-107-0287

Five-pronged international base for Magic
Press Release 31st January, 2008

Spearheaded by five Silver Ferns, the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic today named a powerful line-up to contest the inaugural ANZ Championship netball competition starting in April.

The addition of top line shooter Maria Tutaia has fuelled the already potent mix of established Magic internationals Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Joline Henry and Casey Willia