Fever Fall Short

The West Coast Fever has fallen to a one-goal defeat against the Central Pulse in a nail-biter in Wellington.

In the second of their two games in New Zealand in 10 days, the Fever went down 53-52.

Under close scrutiny from form defender Eboni Beckford-Chambers, the usually reliable Pulse shooter Caitlin Thwaites was slightly off target as Fever kept their noses in front in the first quarter.

Fever captain Catherine Cox was a tower of strength for the visitors, orchestrating play on attack and controlling the tempo as Fever went to the first break with a slim 13-11 lead.

The Pulse evened out the second quarter which had the visitors leading 27-25 at the half-time break which was aided by the shooting of WAIS athlete Caitlin Bassett and Cox which was accurate and strong.

Fever lost Josie Janz (WAIS) to a left ankle injury midway through the second term. That brought Courtney Bruce (WAIS) onto goal defence and during the same injury time Verity Simmons (WAIS) went into the centre and Shae Bolton (WAIS) to wing attack.

One of the positives of the game for the Fever was the return to action of Ashleigh Brazill (WAIS). Brazill injured her ankle in Round 5 against the NSW Swifts a month ago and has not seen any court time before the Pulse where she played at wing defence and centre. He re-emergence boosted Fever’s defence and drive in the tight tussle with the Pulse.

Fever raced out to a four-goal lead early in the third quarter but they were pegged back and coach Norma Plummer rang the changes with Kate Beveridge (WAIS) coming on to goal attack to replace Cox who hurt her leg. Gomes entered the game at goal defence, with Bruce heading to the bench.

Scores were level at 40-40 at the final change as Donna Wilkins continued to have a huge influence for the Pulse.

A key late intercept from defender Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit wrapped up the win as the Fever looked to send the game into extra time.

Fever has the bye this weekend and their next home game is on Sunday, June 9 at Challenge Stadium against the Queensland Firebirds at 10.10am.

– Netball WA