The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel have survived a fierce challenge from the Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, claiming a dramatic 56-53 extra-time win in Dunedin in the first overtime thriller of the ANZ Premiership season.
With the scores locked 51-all at the end of regular time, the match headed into extra time under ANZ Premiership rules, requiring two three-minute halves with the super shot remaining in play and a three-goal margin needed to secure victory.
Steel midcourter Georgia Heffernan delivered the decisive moment, sinking the only super shot of the match at the end of the opening extra-time period to swing momentum firmly back to the home side.
Backed by a packed home crowd, the Steel held their composure through the final minutes to secure their sixth consecutive win and temporarily move to the top of the premiership table.
Despite the loss, the Magic produced their strongest performance of the season, pushing one of the competition’s form teams to the limit while collecting their first bonus point after finishing within five goals.
The visitors showed significant improvement across the court after winning just two quarters through the opening six rounds. Against the Steel they matched intensity, physicality and execution throughout much of the contest.
Steel shooter Aliyah Dunn once again proved unstoppable under the post, delivering a flawless shooting performance with 46 goals from 46 attempts for the second straight week.
Defender Carys Stythe was equally influential, creating pressure through the defensive circle with four intercepts and eight deflections in a commanding display.
For the Magic, athletic shooter Saviour Tui played one of her best matches of the season while defender Oceane Maihi emerged as a major influence with relentless defensive pressure and key momentum-shifting plays.
The opening quarter signalled the contest would be close, with both sides converting strongly on attack. The Magic’s improved attacking flow and defensive pressure helped them edge the first break 15-14.
The Steel responded through the experience and leadership of captain Kimiora Poi, whose influence through the middle court proved critical. Poi combined strongly with Stythe as the home side slowly gained control to lead 28-26 at halftime.
The third quarter produced another dramatic momentum swing. After the Steel opened with three straight goals, the Magic responded with multiple scoring bursts of their own, fuelled by Maihi’s defensive hustle and the growing combination between Ariana Cable-Dixon and Tui.
By the final break, the Magic had reclaimed the lead 40-39, setting up a tense final quarter and eventual extra-time finish.
The result keeps the Steel firmly among the ANZ Premiership title contenders while the Magic’s resurgence may yet reshape the race for the top three and Finals Series qualification.
