A high-octane start set up Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic for a 52-49 trans-Tasman netball league win over Mainland Tactix at Claudelands Arena in Hamilton.
It was the Magic's first win since their 45-41 first-round victory over Adelaide Thunderbirds, and was built on an outstanding opening quarter after they powered out to an early 10-0 lead on Sunday.
But although the Tactix looked down and out after seven minutes, they showed real tenacity to claw their way back into the match.
Former Pulse goal attack Gemma Hazeldine proved the catalyst, brought on to replace Silver Ferns shooter Bailey Mes midway through the first quarter.
She added extra options outside the circle for the centre pass, and was a calming influence inside the circle as she opened up space for goal shoot Mwai Kumwenda.
The Magic continued to play a high-tempo game, but lacked patience and a tendency to force the pass proved costly as the Tactix converted turnover ball to cut back the lead to 15-10 after 15 minutes.
The Magic took the second quarter 12-11 to lead 27-21 at halftime, only for the Tactix to trim the margin to 39-36 with a strong third quarter.
Both teams continued to cough up turnover ball in an increasingly scrappy match, with Tactix wing defence Hayley Saunders particularly disruptive as she battled with Magic wing attack Grace Rasmussen for control of the circle edge.
Magic shooter Jo Harten, back after a two-week break recovering from a sprained rib, was a key influence at the back.
Her accuracy was first-rate - she missed only two of her 32 shots on goal - and she combined well with Ellen Halpenny in the first half and Malia Paseka in the second.
The Tactix midcourt proved unpredictable with coach Sue Hawkins mixing and matching with Keshia Grant, Chloe Williamson and Erikana Pedersen in a bid to unsettle the Magic's attacking third.
But although the Tactix closed to within a goal of the lead with six minutes remaining, the Magic's experience in closing out a game under pressure proved the crucial difference.
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