Fever Continue Record Start to 2015 Season
The West Coast Fever completed a second successful defence of the Challenge Trophy after subduing an impressive challenge from the Southern Steel 67-60 in Perth last Saturday.
What turned out to be a showcase between the two most prolific shooters in the competition, Caitlin Bassett (WAIS) for the Fever and Jhaniele Fowler-Reid for the visitors, the game delivered on its promise of a high-scoring and entertaining spectacle.
On the back of an almost seamless service from their feeders, the two key targets turned on an exceptional exhibition of shooting as the pair went goal-for-goal for much of the match.
Seemingly cruising after a strong third quarter, the Fever had to repel a spirited fight-back from the Steel who drew within one heading down the home straight. But showing their new-found confidence, it was the home team who finished the stronger, Bassett nailing 50 goals for the game as Fever notched a club record to open the season with three straight wins.
Despite the midnight timeline in New Zealand, the Steel showed their body clocks were in the zone after completing the longest road trip of the competition. The visitors were always in the contest and impressed with their calmness under pressure and ability to compete on equal terms until the dying minutes.
The 1.93m New Zealand import Erena Mikaere got the start at goalkeeper for the Fever in attempt to help combat 1.98m Steel shooting sensation Fowler-Reid in otherwise predictable line-ups.
Respective shooters Bassett and Fowler-Reid were dominant figures from the outset as the teams engaged in a riveting arm wrestle. Natalie Medhurst (WAIS) helped take the pressure of Bassett with her playmaking skills while Steel wing attack Gina Crampton, in her first season of regular starts, provided pin-point aerial service to Fowler-Reid.
Both teams were largely untroubled in getting the ball to their key weapons and with 18 attempts apiece it was Fever’s better shooting percentages that helped them sneak a 17-15 lead at the first break.
There were a few more turnovers on offer to open the second stanza, the extra crumbs being a crucial ingredient in deciding the outcome. It was the home team who benefited the most, jumping out to a four-goal lead on the back of Steel errors with defender April Letton playing a strong hand.
The visitors, however, retained their composure, ensuring the game did not get away from them and putting in a determined effort to stay in touch. Fowler-Reid showed her remarkable skills in the air, reeling in everything that was thrown her way but it was the Fever who increased their buffer by the slimmest of margins to hold a 34-31 lead at the main break.
Fever’s Ashleigh Brazill (WAIS) and Shae Brown (WAIS) made their customary switch to centre and wing defence respectively for the second half while Steel goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit was forced from the court during the third stanza after succumbing to a back injury. She was replaced by Sophia Fenwick.
Despite a terrific start by the Steel when they briefly shot into a two-goal lead, it was Fever who eventually broke the stranglehold. Stung into action, it was the home team who were more clinical in their execution while the visitor’s accuracy in feeding Fowler-Reid fell away.
Exciting young defender Storm Purvis gathered plenty of intercept ball for the Steel but Fever showed their ever-growing composure and maturity to fashion a handy 51-45 lead at three-quarter time.
-ANZChampionship