By Ashlee Tulloch
Irene van Dyk has confirmed that she will play in Sunday’s grand final against the Melbourne Vixens, with her mother to be buried in her home town of Meyerton in South Africa at the end of next week.
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic star shooter received the sad news early yesterday that her mother, who had been battling cancer, had passed away.
But van Dyk chose to play in last night's thrilling 57-48 over time win.
At the game Irene van Dyk's mixed emotions were clear. She is now spending time with her family after her mother's death.
Her teammates, who rallied behind van Dyk in last night's win, were doing their best today to recover and get themselves ready for one last game after keeping their winning streak going.
Magic goalkeeper Casey Williams says last night’s win was an unreal feeling.
“With 44 seconds to go we were losing and then Leana got an amazing intercept. For us that’s a huge confidence. It’s 11 wins and I hate odd numbers so we have to have 12.”
With time all but up, it appeared that the Mystics might be heading to Melbourne. Then van Dyk finally tied it up and forced extra time.
Given a lifeline, the Magic took hold and never let go.
Right from the start it was clear it was going to be another classic Magic-Mystics tussle. Locked at 12 each after the first quarter there was nothing in it.
The visitors took a slim one-point lead at half time, but the Mystics began making some magic of their own.
With only a quarter to go the Mystics weren't about to give up their 36-34 lead. But once they went into extra time the Magic were untouchable, outscoring the Mystics 13–4.
After the win their focus immediately turned to the grand final.
“I have the utmost confidence,” Magic captain Laura Langman said. “You know, we travel well and we play well so its going to be a doozy.”
And the Vixens have been doing their homework. With the game only five days away they're hoping the short turn around will play into their hands.
Vixens wing attack Madison Browne is feeling confident.
“Yeah hopefully they're a little bit battered and bruised and that could go in our favour.”
But despite concerns about a bad foot, Casey Williams says she'll be ready to play on Sunday.
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