Fever Put to the Sword by Steel
West Coast Fever have fallen to a seven goal loss at the hands of New Zealand conference leaders the Southern Steel, despite a spirited comeback in the final quarter.
A slick second term from the Steel, during which they outscored Fever 20-11, eventually proved insurmountable for the West Coast side.
Fever Captain Ash Brazill was philosophical about the result.
“We played into the hands of Steel today,” Brazill said.
“Rather than sticking to our own game plan we allowed ourselves to play the way they wanted us too.”
“I think we need to concentrate on starting stronger in each quarter and build from that foundation.”
Steel came out firing from the opening centre pass in front of a rampant Invercargill crowd, scoring the first four goals of the game, before Fever’s midcourt combination of Brazill, Shae Brown and Verity Simmons clicked into gear.
Shooters Caitlin Bassett and Nat Medhurst were the beneficiaries of the increased efficiency, converting their opportunities to peg the margin back to a solitary goal at quarter time.
The home side appeared to appreciate the break, scoring six of the first seven goals in the second quarter to stun the visitors.
Fever Head Coach Stacey Rosman introduced some fresh faces from the bench in an attempt to arrest the momentum, with Kate Beveridge injected into Wing Attack and Erena Mikaere handed the tall task of ifying Steel’s start shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.
While the change in personnel sparked a semi-revival from Fever, Steel continued to press their advantage before taking a 10 goal lead to the main break.
Brazill’s move to Centre in the third stanza created some opportunities for her side, and despite Fever fighting hard to convert, they were unable to effect any change on the scoreboard with Steel maintaining their double digit margin at the final break.
Staring down defeat, Fever rallied in the final quarter, including a run of five consecutive goals, but the lift came just slightly too late, with Steel recording a 69-62 victory.
Rosman acknowledged the second half blitz from Steel.
“I think for us we got caught up in the moment.”
“We became hesitant with the ball and went away from our short passing game.”
“We are scoring well when we have possession and are effecting turnovers, we just need to lock down our options from the centre pass.”
Concerns were raised with Brazill spending two separate stints on the bench with what appeared to be a knee complaint.
The Captain though dismissed any such issues.
“I pulled up a little sore at the end of both the first and third quarter so thought it best to be safe.”
“I’m confident with the 9-day break between games that I’ll be fine.”
Fever will now remain in New Zealand as they prepare for next Monday night’s game against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Tauranga to complete Round 6.
-NetballWA