Magic memories ahead of anniversary
New Zealand celebrates 25 years of elite netball leagues this week, and the Waikato Bay of Plenty team Splice Construction Magic has been there from the start.
The Magic are the only current team that took part in the initial Cocacola Cup in 1998 and became the first North Island team to win the title in 2005 and 2006.
Former Magic CEO Sheryl Dawson said the team created a strong family culture from the start.
“Magic has always been about looking out for each other on and off the court. The legacy of the Magic is about an environment that encourages people to aspire to play netball, to be involved in the game whether you’re an umpire or official.”
With the introduction of the transtasman competition in 2008, which became the ANZ Premiership in 2016, netball moved to a semiprofessional sport.
The Magic were one of five New Zealand teams to be included in the inaugural transtasman competition and finished runner-up to the NSW Swifts that year.
Dawson’s favourite memory with the Magic was winning the trophy in 2012, although the team started the season with four consecutive losses.
Current Magic defender Erena Mikaere debuted for the team in 2010 and said as a youngster, Magic was the team that had the best players.
“I remember Jenny-may [Clarkson] and Amigene [Metcalfe] and just wanted to be part of this team . . . Look at our leader Sammy [Winders] now and the likes of Casey [Kopua] and it’s a team that people want to be part of for as long as possible.”
Magic stalwart and Silver Ferns legend Irene van Dyk said to her the Magic means “family”.
“When I think of the Magic, I’m in my happy place because I was part of something much bigger than just the game. It was the people that made Magic, volunteers, spectators, kids and the best part, my teammates.”
When the transtasman competition ended in 2016 the Magic remained as one of six New Zealand teams in the now ANZ Premiership.
The Magic are led into this year’s ANZ Premiership heritage round by current captain Winders.
The Magic play Wellington team the Pulse in Hamilton this Sunday, April 3, at 4pm at the Globox Arena.