The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel have cemented their place at the top of the ANZ Premiership ladder after a commanding 61-48 victory over the struggling Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Tauranga.
The Steel weathered a fast start from the home side before taking control in the second quarter, eventually stretching the margin out to 13 goals at Mercury Baypark Arena for their fourth consecutive win of the season.
After an even opening spell that ended locked at 14-all, the Steel lifted their defensive intensity midway through the second quarter, creating a decisive momentum shift that the Magic were unable to recover from.
The Southern side’s defensive unit proved relentless throughout the contest, with Carys Stythe and Khanye’ Lii Munro-Nonoa applying heavy pressure across the court, while midcourter Kimiora Poi controlled the tempo through centre.
The Steel shooters also capitalised on their opportunities, with Georgia Heffernan playing an important role around the circle and the side maintaining strong accuracy under pressure.
Coach Wendy Frew rotated her entire bench during the match as the Steel continued to build confidence following their only loss of the season in the opening round.
For the Magic, the result leaves them still searching for their first points of the campaign after suffering a fifth straight defeat.
Despite improvements across several areas, the home side again struggled to convert defensive turnovers into scoreboard pressure, an issue that has plagued the team throughout the season.
Georgie Edgecombe impressed in the midcourt battle while Sarah Guiney showed confidence at goal attack in the continued absence of injured shooter Saviour Tui.
The Magic stayed competitive early, backed by a strong home crowd, but the Steel’s defensive pressure gradually shut down attacking options as the game progressed.
The visitors led 31-23 at halftime before extending the advantage to 49-37 heading into the final quarter.
Although the Magic successfully landed the first two-point shots of the game late in the third spell, the Steel remained firmly in control and comfortably closed out the match.
The result strengthens Southern Steel’s position as one of the Premiership’s early title contenders while increasing pressure on the Magic as their winless season continues.
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