Sydney Swifts and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic will battle it out this Sunday at Newcastle Entertainment Centre for a spot in the ANZ Championship Grand Final against the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
An undefeated Sydney Swifts outfit went down in their first loss of the season to the Thunderbirds in the semi-finals 52–38. The Thunderbirds made the most of their opportunities in the match against the top of the table Swifts.
Thunderbirds defenders Geva Mentor and Mo’onia Gerard trouble Swifts star shooters Susan Pratley and Catherine Cox providing their side with a swift transition up through the court.
Catherine Cox fractured her nose in the match playing against Geva Mentor, but is expected to play in the Swifts must win match against the Magic.
The Magic were able to chalk up a win against the Steel and progress to the preliminary final. Captain Laura Langman was a pivotal link through the mid-court, assisting gaolers Irene Van Dyk and Jodi Brown in the 18-goal win.
Magic Coach Noeline Taurua was pleased with her team’s ability to keep the game tight against the Steel and believes they are up for the challenge against the swifts.
“It’s a different type of game – we’re going to be back to the Australia style so one-on-one and contesting for all of the ball,” she said.
Since the introduction of the Trans-Tasman competition the Swifts have had the wood over the Magic, defeating them earlier this season 54 – 48. But as seen in previous weeks, the form in the home and away season counts for nothing and Taurua is cleaning the slate and hoping for a fresh start to progress through to the Grand Final.
“What’s happened in the past has happened in the past but it’s being able to acknowledge that, learn from your mistakes but it’s a whole new round. They’re still a classy outfit,” Taurua explained.
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