Magic ready to repel the unexpected

15 Jul 2012, 4:41 pm   -   Source: AAP

Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic have targeted an error-free performance against arch-rivals Northern Mystics in Monday's trans-Tasman netball league playoff.

Coach Noeline Taurua is expecting the unexpected on Monday, when her Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic team do battle with Northern Mystics in the trans-Tasman netball league's preliminary final in Auckland.

On the back of 10 straight wins, Magic have fashioned a game for all seasons in recent weeks which should stand them in good stead.

Their most recent win, a 49-48 minor semi-final win over Adelaide Thunderbirds last week, came in the hectic final three minutes and emphasised their ability to absorb pressure then challenge right to the final whistle.

The Mystics lost their chance to advance straight to the grand final when subdued 56-50 by the Vixens in last week's major semi-final and Taurua is expecting a no-holds barred match at the Trusts Stadium.

"They'll throw anything and everything at us," she said.

"There'll probably be a lot of change-ups from them, which has been one of their strengths this season, having the ability to rotate their bench, which changes the chemistry out on court."

Taurua says the Magic season, which began disastrously with four consecutive losses, hinges on an error-free performance across four quarters.

"There's no room for error now - it's just you either win or you don't. Whether it's desperation, the will or whatever it's going to come out on court."

The Mystics with only three losses over the season - including a 48-46 defeat to the Magic last month - have yet to put together a consistent performance across four quarters.

They have experience and talent right through the court, depth on the bench, and the ability to change personnel and combinations in an instant.

Taurua is confident her players can handle any situation the Aucklanders can throw at them.

"But we know it's not going to come easily and that you've got to make it happen. The players have learnt that and it's quite powerful."

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