Fever Win Tense Clash Against Steel

Published On: 23 April 2012

The West Coast Fever has recorded its second win of the season after defeating the Southern Steel 56-53 in Dunedin over the weekend.

Following last week’s defeat at the hands of the Northern Mystics, the Fever remained in New Zealand to prepare for their round four ANZ Championship clash, and the move appeared to pay instant dividends when the visitors stormed for the blocks to take 16-11 lead into quarter time.

The Steel showed its resolve in the second term to tighten its pressure on the twin towers of Caitlin Bassett (49 goals) and Catherine Cox (seven goals) but the Fever was still able to increase its advantage to six goals at half time.

Any thoughts of a one sided contest however, where quelled during a frenetic third quarter display from the hosts, as they undertook a 19-12 quarter to storm a one-goal lead at the final break, leaving the Fever shell-shocked.

The introduction of centre Philippa Finch for the Steel during the term had sparked the Dunedin outfit and turned the match on its head.

In years gone by, where such opportunities may have slipped from the Fever’s grasp, they rallied to show renewed vigour for the contest, which was led in centre court and capitalised on by the expert shooting of WAIS athlete Bassett who hit all 16 of the visitor’s final quarter goals.

The Fever in defence, also lifted, marshalled resolutely by Australian Diamonds representative and WAIS scholarship holder Susan Fuhrmann, and despite a gripping final few minutes, the Perth franchise was able to hold on for its first win away from home for the 2012 season.

After four rounds, the Fever sits in fourth place on the Championship ladder ahead of their round five clash with the Adelaide Thunderbirds at Perth’s Challenge Stadium.