Fever Record Breakthrough Win in Season Opener
The West Coast Fever has opened its 2011 campaign with a crucial away win over the Mercury Energy Tactix 54-48 in Christchurch.
It’s the first time in ANZ Championship history the Fever has won in their first round. The side now face a 5,000km return trip to Perth to continue its tough season start with the second of three games in just seven days.
Both teams were forced to make changes to their regular line-up with Fever captain Joh Curran remaining in Perth, while the Tactix lined up without star mid-courter Maree Bowden, but it was the Fever started the better of the two sides.
The visitors were out to a seven goal lead midway through the first term as Leah Shoard dominated at goal attack. Her drive and 100% accuracy provided assistance to WAIS tall shooter Caitlin Bassett, as the Fever led 19-10 at quarter time.
However it was a different Tactix unit that took to the court in the second quarter, with Charlotte Kight replaced by the tenacious Anna Galvin as the home side started to fire. Galvin’s physicality stifled the Fever’s attack and the goals began to dry up. The Tactix began to press on the back of some great shooting from attacking pair Ellen Halpenny and veteran Donna Wilkins.
The Fever attempted just nine goals to the Tactix’s eighteen in a clear sign of the home side’s dominance. The Tactix had chances to level the match late in the quarter however the Fever managed to hold onto their lead until the halftime break.
Fever coach Jane Searle was forced to look to her bench, with WAIS scholarship holder Josie Janz introduced at goal defence and Ash Howard at goal attack, shifting Leah Shoard to wing attack. The new Fever line-up took time to settle with the Tactix out to a four goal lead. However their attacking line began to create more drive through to goal shooter Bassett, who faced stiff competition from Jamaican keeper Kasey Evering.
In front by just two goals at three quarter time, both sides remained unchanged for the last and it was the Fever who got out to the better start. Up by four goals with eight minutes to play, the Fever continued to play to their strength by looking long to Bassett and remaining patient. And it was that strategy that paid off as the Fever ran home six goal winners.
Vice-Captain Andrea Gilmore (WAIS) was excited by the first round win and said the side were looking forward to their upcoming matches.
“It’s great to come over here and get a win. There were definitely patches where we played some good netball, so the girls are really looking forward to going home for two matches,” Gilmore said.
The Fever will have just a one day turn-around before they face 2010 Premiers’ the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Perth on Thursday night.
– In other WAIS netball news, dual WAIS-AIS scholarship holder Sarah East has been added into the West Coast Fever squad on a short-term contract after impressing in training as cover for injured Fever skipper Jo Curran.
– Netball WA