Fever Stun Firebirds
A stroke of genius by coach Norma Plummer threw up an unlikely hero in helping West Coast Fever deliver a captivating 48-42 win over Queensland Firebirds in Perth on Sunday.
With key playmaker Natalie Medhurst forced from the court midway through the third quarter with a bloodied nose, Plummer first tried Kate Beveridge (WAIS) in the role before thrusting novice Chelsea Pitman into the hot seat.
With Fever struggling and trailing for much of the match, Pitman proved a revelation as she not only freed up the attack line but also had no hesitation in shooting for goal. Pitman’s efforts galvanised the rest of her team-mates who turned on an inspiring last quarter effort to post back-to-back wins against Australian opposition for the first time in shutting out the Firebirds 16-7.
With Fever forging their way into the top four, it was a disappointed Firebirds, on top for much of a scrappy match but who fell apart in the fourth quarter in slumping to their fourth loss of the season.
The Fever started with plenty of energy and intent but stung by their performance last week, it was the Firebirds who gradually gained control in the early exchanges.
Improving their approach and accuracy in delivering the ball to key shooting weapon Romelda Aiken, the Firebirds steadied before forging ahead on the back of greater efficiency and execution.
Firebirds wing defence Gabi Simpson did a sterling job in keeping her opposite Pitman off the circle edge while at the other end goal attack Amorette Wild was in the thick of play, getting through a big workload outside the circle while being a key to working in tandem with Aiken.
Losing several centre pass-offs through error, the Fever replaced Khao Watts with Ingrid Colyer but it was the Firebirds who got the jump heading into the first break when they held a 15-9 lead.
Fever produced an improved defensive effort on the resumption but found themselves under constant pressure on attack. The menacing presence of Laura Geitz and Clare McMeniman meant there were no easy options for Fever shooters Caitlin Bassett (WAIS) and Medhurst.
Fever did earn turnover opportunities which were often frittered away, but a strong finish with goalkeeper Eboni Beckford-Chambers prominent kept the home team in touch.
In a tight quarter, Fever just held the honours at 12-11 but it was the Firebirds who held overall control when leading 26-21 at the main break.
Josie Janz replaced her WAIS counterpart Courtney Bruce at goal defence for the second half, coinciding with a storming start from Fever who closed to within two on the back of four straight goals.
Getting a greater quantity of quick ball to strike shooter Caitlin Bassett paid dividends before Fever’s momentum was halted when Medhurst suffered her injury.
With the Firebirds looking to exploit Medhurst’s absence, Aiken suffered some wobbly moments under the hoop as both teams turned the ball over in a gritty contest fashioned on defence rather than flowing attacking play.
Fever again wasted numerous opportunities but managed to stay alive in the contest as the Firebirds struggled on a 70 percent shooting percentage when taking a 35-32 lead into the last break.
Looking for more drive on attack, the Pitman gamble paid off in spades. The injection of Watts to wing attack and the playmaking skills of Pitman, including her first goal at this level, helped Fever’s attack line open up. At the other end, Beckford-Chambers was her usual industrious self in garnering precious turnover ball, the Fever coming to life in impressive fashion to level the scores before confidently taking control.