Fever Too Hot to Handle on Home Court
The West Coast Fever recorded a resounding 80-53 win over the Northern Mystics in their first home match for the 2013 season on Easter Sunday.
Led by an exceptional 61 goal haul from WAIS scholarship holder and Australian Diamonds representative Caitlin Bassett, the Fever bounced back from its first round loss to the Swifts with a dominant four quarter performance against their trans-Tasman rivals.
An incredible start from English import Eboni Beckford-Chambers saw an early turnover for the home team, and four unanswered goals before the Mystics could get on the board. Slick movement from the attacking Fever line up kept the ball moving and confidently feeding to the tall timber partnership of Bassett and Cox.
The Fever’s full court pressure was telling, with the home side creating a six goal lead within 5 minutes of play and despite some moments of skill from the Mystics, that lead would reach 10 goals by the end of the first term (23-13).
Fever coach Norma Plummer opted to keep the successful formula in the second quarter, with the West Coast outfit returning the favour with another excellent period of play, moving the margin out to a decisive 16 goals at the main break, in front of a packed and vocal Challenge Stadium crowd.
The Fever was able to rotate its bench and trial new defensive and attacking combinations in the second half, but it didn’t stop the damage on the scoreboard, as the hosts cruised to an easy 27 goal win.
The Fever midcourt of Verity Simmons (WAIS), Ash Brazill (WAIS) and Shae Bolton (WAIS) worked amazingly as a unit, with Simmons in particular, showing her flair at all the right times throughout the match.
The 80-53 margin was the highest points difference win in the Fever’s history, and Verity Simmons was named the Most Valuable Player by the ANZ Championship coverage, whilst Captain Catherine Cox took the honours from the panel of in-house voters.
The Fever will look to take a second Kiwi scalp next weekend when they play host to 2012 champions the Kia Magic. For more information and details on tickets visit: www.westcoastfever.com.au
– with Netball WA