Needing to make the decider to gain entry into the State Cup, the Magic faced Canberra in the preliminary final for a place in the grand final.

Moss Vale hadn’t beaten Canberra all season, but with everything on the line, the Magic rallied and had a massive first quarter, leading 20-8 at the first break.

Blake Channells, Dayne Hutchinson, Tom Meyers and Brandon Davies led the charge, all scoring baskets to set up the early advantage.

Moss Vale had what looked like a match-winning 34-14 advantage at the main break, before a huge third-quarter put the Gunners in contention of stealing an unlikely victory.

The Magic led 48-39 going into the final quarter and hung on to win by five points.

Channells top scored with a game-high 25 points.

Moss Vale met Illawarra in the decider.

The Magic were keen to get off to another flying start, but the Hawks were up to the task and were equally keen to take the Southern title.

Moss Vale led 14-11 at the first break and 28-24 at halftime to have the Magic’s fans on the edge of their seats.

The second half was just as tight as the first and Moss Vale outscored Illawarra to set up a six-point lead heading into the final term.

Chris Ellsmore and Mitch Davies ran into foul trouble in the fourth quarter, as did a couple of Hawks players, and the Magic were forced to play the final four minutes with only four players.

But it didn’t worry the Moss Vale boys and they extended their lead to finish in front 67-57 and take the crown. Meyers top scored with 21 points, while Channells (17), Brandon Davies (11) and Hutchinson (10) each posted double figures.

The boys head to the State Cup later this month to see if they can maintain their winning way.