Record Breaking Fever Sweeps Tactix

The West Coast Fever have recorded their biggest ever winning margin in the ANZ Championship overnight, posting a 62-44 victory over the Mercury Energy Tactix.

The 18 point win surpasses their previous record of 11, against the LG Mystics in 2009.

Caitlin Bassett (WAIS) was again the standout for the West Coast Fever, despite being rested in the final quarter. Her 45 goals is the highest individual tally in the season so far.

The defensive pressure shown by Captain Johannah Curran and Australian Diamond Susan Fuhrmann (WAIS), who had an 11cm advantage over opponent Ellen Halpenny, really turned the match for Fever as the two combined to take a number of crucial intercepts and rebounds.

Curran said it was something the defence had worked on during the week and felt their combination really paid off.

“Suz and I spoke about our teamwork at training. We really wanted to commit to each other’s calls and trust that we had each other’s backs. I think we really saw those results tonight.”

Both sides came out firing in the first, with scores locked at six all early in the quarter, but that was as close as the Tactix would get for the remainder of the match, as the Fever dominated the contest as the lead blew out to 20 goals by three quarter time.

This provided Fever coach Jane Searle with an opportunity to rest several stars, including Bassett and Curran, as former State League players Sarah Ebbott (WAIS) and Ashleigh Neal (WAIS) came on to make their ANZ Championship debut on their home court.

Janelle Lawson and Ash Neal combined in the goal circle as did Josie Janz (WAIS) – in her first match of the season and Emma Beckett in defence. Searle was pleased with the efforts of her new combinations, and felt it gives her side an edge heading into Monday night’s clash with reigning premiers Melbourne Vixens.

“We have a bench that is capable of coming on and doing the job, which is a massive advantage over other teams in the competition.”

The Fever will take on the Melbourne Vixens next Monday (Easter Monday) 5th April at Challenge Stadium, with the first centre pass at 6.05pm. Gates open from 5.15pm.

– Netball WA