Experiencing the sweet taste of victory has left the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel hungry for more.

The gutsy southerners banished a 21-game losing streak to the history books with an extra-time two-goal win in over the Robinhood Stars last weekend. Now a new challenge awaits against the Avis Magic this afternoon (Saturday 11 May).

Head coach Reinga Bloxham is under no illusions.

“Yes, it was fantastic to finally break that hoodoo and experience the thrill of winning after such a challenging time over the past couple of years. It’s important for us now to keep building towards a more consistent full 60 min performance,” she said.

“Last week the third quarter wasn’t great so there are definitely areas to work on.”

When the teams last met in Round 12 last season the Magic defeated the Steel 53-52.

“The Magic are performing well and played a consistent game in their narrow loss to the Tactix. We will need to ensure we keep possession and score off every opportunity,” Bloxham said.

“Last week’s win has given us confidence and reminded us that we can perform when it matters and under pressure.”

With Magic currently rated the second-most consistent in the ANZ Premiership shooting stakes, Steel will have to unleash some tenacious defensive efforts to halt the impact of experienced duo Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Saviour Tui.

At the opposite end of the court, Steel shooters Grace Namana and Georgia Heffernan’s dynamic partnership continues to flourish which adds up to an epic attacking showdown.

This afternoon’s encounter in Rotorua starts at 4pm.

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