West Coast Fever Kick Season Off in Style
West Coast Fever last week, opened their 2010 ANZ Championship season in style, with a high powered exhibition match against Netball WA’s President’s 12 who is made up of the best Smarter than Smoking State Netball League athletes.
Starting with their typically high speed, the Fever broke away early in the game. Fever’s center Shae Bolton (WAIS) and wing defence Andrea Gilmore (WAIS) led a strong defence throughout the center court, restricting the President’s 12 wing attack Kodie Blay and former Fever Co-Captain Stacey Rosman.
There was little contest for West Coast Fever’s tall shooter Caitlin Basset (WAIS) who shot at 100 percent accuracy against goal keeper Mia Washbourne (WAIS). Fever led the President’s 12 by 27 – 4 at the first break.
After a shell shocked first quarter, the President’s 12 came out strong in the second beating Fever 11 goals to 10. Outstanding performances from Blay, Stacey Northey (WAIS) and Fiona Mitchell saw their team on the comeback trail. Rosman and Mitchell worked well in defence, putting needed pressure on their opposition. Fever led the President’s 12 by 37 – 15 at half time.
It was at the third quarter mark that the President’s 12 attempted to match the Fever’s competition. Rosman and Lindal Rhode (WAIS) proved a winning combination throughout the attacking and center third, working the ball in to Northey and Ellie Smart (WAIS). However Fever’s athletic abilities continued to show with Susan Fuhrmann’s (WAIS) and Johannah Curran’s (WAIS) strength and ability dominating the President’s 12 attack line. By three quarter time Fever led 60 to 26.
The final quarter put a spanner in the works as it was announced that the President’s 12 would take every centre pass and each of their goals would be worth two. This was the last attempt for the local team to challenge the focused Fever with Washbourne and goal keeper Alice Coakley contestingBolton and Browne at every opportunity. However, the impromptu rule changes were not enough to stop Fever who ended the night on a high beating the President’s 12 by 70 – 52.
Fever also had another thing to celebrate on the night, as it was announced that iiNet have come on board as Fever’s Major Sponsor for 2010.
Coach Jane Searle was pleased with the team’s performance.
“Tonight’s exhibition match was our last chance to try different combinations before our first game against Southern Steel next weekend. We’ve got a new shooting dynamic with players that I think will be very successful this season”, Searle said.
“The team is also thrilled at the great boost we get from our passionate fans. Fever membership has almost doubled in 2010 and our fierce home game crowd support is a huge lift to the team”, she said.
In the first home game of the year, Fever will take on the Mercury Energy Tactix at Challenge Stadium on Monday 29 March at 5.05pm so get your tickets now.
– Netball WA