The Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic opened their 2026 ANZ Premiership season with a hard-fought 53–45 loss to long-time rivals Te Wānanga o Raukawa Central Pulse in Wellington on Saturday.
In front of a sold-out crowd at TSB Arena, Pulse made a strong start and maintained their momentum throughout the match. Despite the early deficit, Magic remained composed and competitive, producing a spirited fightback to finish the game on a high.
A determined final-quarter performance saw the Waikato Bay of Plenty side outscore their hosts 16–11, underlining their resilience and providing encouraging signs to build on heading into the remainder of the season.
Magic shooter Saviour Tui continued her impressive form from last year, making her mark during the Summerset Super Shot period. Her accuracy from long range kept Magic within striking distance and added valuable scoreboard pressure.
The match also marked an important milestone for the club, with Sarah Guiney, Brooklyn Murray and Losa Fifita all making their ANZ Premiership debuts in the Magic dress. The trio embraced the occasion, gaining valuable experience at the elite level as the team continues to build depth and develop its next generation of talent.
While Magic faced challenges in their attacking third early in the contest, improvements in discipline and execution as the match progressed reflected the side’s determination against quality opposition.
Although the result did not go their way, the season opener provided a valuable benchmark for the Magic as they continue to build combinations and momentum in the opening rounds of the competition.
Avis Magic will return for their first home game of the season on Saturday 18 April at Mercury Baypark Arena in Tauranga for the Hobbiton Cup, where strong local support is expected.
