Legends return as the Stars break Magic drought in statement victory at home

The last match of round four of the ANZ Premiership saw the Northern Stars and Avis Magic roll in retired legends for a massive tussle, with the Stars breaking their drought in Auckland on Sunday.

The Magic, who went down 56-39, were bolstered early by former Silver Fern Casey Kopua, starting at goal defence in her 187th match for the franchise.

The 112-test Silver Fern veteran immediately made her presence felt, applying heavy pressure on young shooters Amelia Walmsley and Martina Salmon and disrupting the Stars rhythm.

That influence showed in the numbers. Salmon opted to feed out rather than turning to post, and the Stars sat at 73 per cent accuracy compared to the Magics 84 at halftime.

Through the first phase, Kopua’s experience anchored the Magic’s defensive edge.

But once Kopua came off limping due to injury, the momentum swung.

Amelia Walmsely, left, and captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan celebrating their 50th and 100th game milestone post-match. Photo/Joshua Devenie/Photosport.

The Stars found cleaner ball through the court, while the Magic’s attack began to unravel under sustained defensive pressure.

Magic head coach Mary Jane Araroa told TVNZ her side needed to control their tempo, admitting they were guilty of “trying to get rid of the ball too fast.”

At the other end, the Stars had experience of their own. Former Silver Fern and current assistant coach Leana de Bruin slotted into Goal Keep and proved just as disruptive.

Kate Burley of the Northern Stars. Photo/Joshua Devenie/Photosport

Her formidable three-foot lean forced multiple held balls, instilling confidence in her side as they grew confidence throughout the game.

In other replacement players, Magics Grace Walsh stepped up as an interim shooter for injured Saviour Tui, taking on Kate Burley with a strong physical presence in the circle.

The Stars home win at Pulman Arena secured their first back-to-back victories of the season, with added reason to celebrate as Walmsley marked her 50th match and captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan brought up her 100th.

Reuelu-Buchanan, alongside wing attack Claire O’Brien, continued to drive the Stars attack, with O’Brien producing 21 feeds, six centre pass receives and eight goal assists in the first half alone.

The Stars now turn their attention to the Tactix, aiming to snap their winning streak when the two sides meet at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch on Sunday, 10 May at 4pm.

The Tactix will be looking to bounce back after a 52-43 loss to the Mystics at Trusts Arena on Saturday.

In a rematch of last year’s Grand Final, the Mystics handed the defending champions their first loss of the season.

The match was a special tribute to midcourt maestro Peta Toeava, who took to the court for her 150th national league match.

After trailing by one at the main break, the home side exploded in the third quarter with an 8-1 run that completely blunted the Tactix’s attack.

Rising young shooter Sophia Lafaiali'i was a standout, showing nerves of steel under the post with a 36 from 40 return to ensure the Tactix’s unbeaten streak came to a grinding halt.

For the Magic, the search for their first win of the season continues as they return to the drawing board ahead of their clash with an in-form Southern Steel, who defeated the Pulse 54-47.

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