THIS was Magpies netball team's second match after a long Christmas break.

MAGPIES 18, SMART CUT 15

Magpies won the toss but failed to take advantage with Smart Cut scoring the first two goals despite being a player down.

Magpies then started to settle down and play as a team, using the full court they managed to pull back the lead as their excellent defenders Tracy, Nickki and Cathy began to find their form ending the first quarter 6-4.

After a change of shooters, GA Kim coming off and Sue moving to GA and Carol coming on as GS, captain Jackie and WA Cheryl did an excellent job keeping the ball down the attacking end to try to get as many goals as possible. With their defenders not letting the ball get to Smart Cut's shooters ending this quarter with Magpies forging ahead 12-4.

Smart Cut started their comeback with good positioning and well thought out tactics despite still being a player down. The pressure was mounting for the Magpies as Smart Cut started to dominate the game and were relieved to hear the whistle for the end of the third quarter and just kept their noses in front 14-8.

Smart Cut kept the pressure on and tried hard to keep dominating the game. Magpies kept their cool and didn't panic despite only a small goal difference.

In the final few minutes Magpies pulled together to end the match on a winning note 18-15.