GIANTS Prove too Strong for Fever

After coming within three goals of GIANTS Netball during pre-season, the West Coast Fever have struggled to replicate their performance going down to the side by 15 goals in Sydney on Saturday evening.

Playing in front of a sea of orange at Qudos Bank Arena the Fever had trouble finding their form, falling behind early in the game to enter the first quarter break six goals down.

Looking to make ground on the scoreboard Fever Head Coach, Stacey Marinkovich gave Jessica Anstiss the nod to takeover the centre position heading into the second quarter.

The fresh legs provided a temporary halt to the GIANTS momentum which was quickly followed by a re-application of pressure allowing the home side to pull away to a ten goal lead.

Late in the second quarter Fever goal defence, Stacey Francis was forced from the court to gain treatment.

Following a significant reshuffle o the West Coast Fever side the GIANTS took advantage of the situation finishing the first half 13 goals up.

Moving into the third quarter Marinkovich made further changes to her team in an effort to stifle the GIANTS momentum.

Courtney Bruce was moved into the goal defence position whilst Stacey Francis returned to the court in goal keeper.

Changes were also made in the centre court with Verity Charles moving into centre and Ingrid Colyer being handed the wing attack bib. 

The second half also saw changes made to the GIANTS side with 197cm shooter, Kristina Brice coming on in goal shooter.

Whilst the West Coast Fever’s changes provided greater speed and efficiency in ball movement down the court they were unable to make ground on the scoreboard, sitting 18 goals behind their opposition at the final break.

Kaylia Stanton was injected into the Fever’s line up for the final quarter, having an immediate impact in combination with Natalie Medhurst. 

The West Coast Fever were able to win the final quarter of the match, gaining three goals on their opposition however it was too little too late as the side came out second best for the second time this season. 

Fuelled by their fans GIANTS netball took out the game 66 to 51.

The West Coast Fever have now returned to Perth where they are preparing for their first home game of the season.

This Round Three match will be played against the Queensland Firebirds at Perth Arena on Friday night.