Saviour Tui of the Magic, during the ANZ Premiership round one match against the Mystics at Globox Arena in Hamilton. Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
The defending champion Northern Mystics have fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition after rallying back to post a 12-goal win against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in their ANZ Premiership netball opener.
Once warmed up, the Mystics produced a decisive second half to open their campaign with an impressive 64-52 win in Hamilton.
Mystics captain Mikaela Sokolich-Beatson and Magic defender Oceane Maihi both copped two-minute suspensions for dangerous play during the match.
"I'm actually really embarrassed by it because it's not how I want to play and I pride myself on being a clean player," Sokolich-Beatson said.
"So to go off in round one is really unfortunate."
The umpire ruled Sokolich-Beatson used her shoulder in a dangerous challenge, while Maihi was involved in a collision with Mystics strike-weapon Grace Nweke.
On the back foot, a two-goal halftime deficit didn't seem to rattle the defending champions who found themselves a further five goals back in the early stages of the third quarter.
The introduction of talented Mystics newcomer Hannah Glen into the shooting circle and outstanding defender Carys Stythe saw the Auckland side finally hit top gear to lead 47-41 at three-quarter time.
Stacked with talent, the Mystics showed their ability to score quickly with Silver Fern Nweke nailing 50 goals while the team, as a unit, were clinical in turning around an inconsistent first half.
Defeated Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio (15/17) believes her side has better potential this season after a rollicking start to match the highly-touted Mystics.
"We were really great in the first half but we know Mystics can score fast and they came out and did that," Ekenasio said.
"We'll go away and figure it out."
Ekenasio said her new combination with goal shoot Saviour Tui (37/42) has plenty of potential.
"We're really proud of how far she's come and it's a combination that's going to grow," Ekenasio said.
Overcoming early nerves, Tui worked in seamlessly with a fresh and energetic-looking Ekenasio.
The pair working perfectly in tandem through their timing and speed. At the other end, the Magic were able to pick up defensive turnovers to wrest a 16-14 lead at the first break.
The Stars host the Pulse in another enticing round one clash at Auckland's Pulman Arena on Sunday.
Shooting Stats - Magic:
Saviour Tui 37/42 (88%)
Ameliaranne Ekenasio 15/17 (88%)
Shooting Stats - Mystics:
Grace Nweke 50/58 (86%)
Filda Vui 8/10 (80%)
Hannah Glen 6/8 (75%)
ANZ Player of the Match: Saviour Tui (Magic)