Disappointment for Fever in Opening Round

Published On: 22 February 2017

Fever returned home to Perth on Sunday after losing their first round match of the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball league to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, 51 to 56.

After a long, tough pre-season the Western Australian side stepped out on court for the first time in front of the whole of Australia on Sunday.

With the formation of the new league came a reshuffle of players amongst teams along with the addition of several up and coming players, all bringing speculation around how teams would perform.

From the first whistle it was clear that the West Coast fever had a point to prove bursting out of the blocks to score three goals before their opposition could make a mark on the scoreboard. 

In what would be expected from the first game of the new season, the first quarter was full of ebbs and flows with the lead constantly shifting from one side to the other finishing with the Fever holding a two goal lead.

Despite hit back from the Adelaide side early in the second quarter, re-levelling the scores, the West Coast Fever were once again holding a two goal lead at half time.

Going into the third quarter the Fever had only made one change to their line up, bringing on Jessica Anstiss to the wing defence position.

A string of consecutive goals and excellent attacking efforts from the Western Australians saw them with a six goal lead heading into the final quarter.

Despite the Fever’s defensive efforts, the Adelaide Thunderbirds responded to the cheers of their crowds fighting back to level the scores.

The momentum they had created did not stop here the Thunderbirds continuing to push ahead to a five goal victory at the final whistle.

Round One marked the West Coast Fever debut for three players including young Western Australian, Jessica Anstiss, Victorian, Shannon Eagland and English impot, Stacey Francis.

The Fever will now direct their focus to Round Two where they will take on GIANTS Netball in Sydney on Saturday.