Bassett Earns Slice of History in Dramatic Fever Win

Published On: 7 April 2014

Ingrid Colyer

The West Coast Fever has recorded an historic two goal win over the reigning champion Adelaide Thunderbirds at Challenge Stadium after WAIS athlete Caitlin Bassett became the first Australian to register 3000 goals in the competition’s history.

The 53-51 result was also the first time Fever had managed to defeat the two-time ANZ Championship title winners on home court.

A tight opening quarter saw both sides trading early goals, until the Fever was able to capitalise on some slick defensive work on five minutes to establish a slim lead. Boosted by a 2500 strong parochial home crowd, the Fever would head into the first break with a 17-13 lead.

The second quarter has been the Fever’s undoing in the 2014 ANZ Championship season, and when the Thunderbirds quickly closed to within two goals, it appeared the Perth team might fall victim to another fade out. However, some resolute defence from WAIS athlete Courtney Bruce and tireless work from the influential Natalie Medhurst arrested the visitors’ run, and ensured the Fever would hold onto a two goal halftime advantage.

WAIS athlete Josie Janz replaced Bruce at the main break, as the game continued to see either side create opportunities without taking firm control of the contest. The third quarter would gain significant interest four minutes before the break, when Bassett clutched onto a pass and converted one of her 38 goals for the match, to become the first Australian shooter to reach the 3000 career goal milestone.

With one goal separating the sides heading into the final quarter, West Coast’s support suitably reached fever-pitch, and when the hosts rallied from a narrow deficit, that had the Adelaide team leading for the first time since the opening minutes, a famous victory appeared very much on the cards.

Medhurst and WAIS athlete Shae Bolton – who contributed three deflections and three intercepts – helped guide the Fever to a 53-51 win, which stands as one of the West Coast Fever’s most impressive wins to date.

The Fever will look to extend its home comforts when it hosts competition heavyweights, the Queensland Firebirds at Challenge Stadium on Sunday April 13. The Firebirds are currently fourth on the competition ladder, whilst the Fever occupies sixth spot.