In a tough return to competitive play, Splice Construction Magic lost to Northern Mystics 47-40 in their first game of the restarted ANZ Premiership. At Auckland Netball Centre, the women from WaiBOP found it difficult to keep the teenaged Mystics shooters in check, and never led at any stage in the match. In a game the was high in energy and athleticism, both teams secured a good supply of turnover ball, it was the Northerners who cashed in at a more consistent rate on the extra possession.
The defensive trio of Captain Sam Winders, Holly Fowler and Erena Mikaere were strong in forcing turnovers through intercepts, deflections and rebounds, but the team were guilty of coughing up the ball at the other end. The shooting circle also had a mixed night. After a 100% Quarter 1 by Kelsey McPhee, the accuracy dropped away as the game wore on, and with the win drifting away, the losing bonus point also slipped through the fingers during an inaccurate last five minutes of the final quarter.
A number of positives, including a first ANZ Premiership cap for Georgia Tong, but plenty of work ons to give Head Coach Amigene Metcalfe a bit to think about. Onwards and upward for the next game on Friday 26 June against The Good Oil Mainland Tactix.
