Fever Stunned by Thunderbirds

The West Coast Fever have recorded their lowest score in ANZ Championship history, in last night’s 57-37 defeat at the hands of the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

The inclusion of former Thunderbird Bianca Reddy as a replacement for injured defender Josie Janz (WAIS) was set to spark Fever into action, but the Thunderbirds got out to an early lead that the home side never recovered from.

WAIS athlete Caitlin Bassett was tightly defended by England international Geva Mentor, and struggled to convert the limited opportunities Fever had in the first half.

Despite being replaced for the fourth quarter, Bassett was the Fever’s top scorer for the night with 18 goals at 75%.

WAIS scholarship holder Susan Fuhrmann worked hard against Jamaican Carla Borrego, who finished the night with 42 goals at 91% to extend her lead at the top of the ANZ goal scoring leader board.

Fever looked sharp in passages with 11 intercepts for the match. But their inability to look after the ball down court cost the side as they gave away 38 turnovers; 12 more than the Thunderbirds.

Coach Jane Searle acknowledged her side’s wasted opportunities.

“I felt the game was closer than what that score reads. We won a lot of ball through the court, but the girls didn’t look after it, and I guess it really cost us in the end.”

There were positives for the match including the performance of Emma Beckett at goal defence. Beckett had three deflections and one intercept in just over a quarter, while Janelle Lawson at goal attack showed her mobility with two intercepts and five centre pass receives.

A 13-goal deficit at three-quarter time allowed Searle to run through her bench, as Ashleigh Neal made just her second appearance for Fever, while new recruit Bianca Reddy was also introduced to the match in her first game in Fever colours.

Fever will travel to Brisbane this weekend for their match against the Queensland Firebirds.

– Netball WA