By Jacob Shteyman
The flawless West Coast Fever have continued their undefeated start to the Super Netball season, triumphing over the Adelaide Thunderbirds 57-56 in a nailbiter in Perth.
The Fever notched six of the first seven goals of the fourth quarter to snatch the game from the third-placed Thunderbirds on Saturday night.
Fever goalshooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard was immaculate, scoring 49 goals from 49 attempts plus a supershot.Credit: James Worsfold/Getty Images
But a late Thunderbirds fightback, with supershots from Georgie Horjus and Lucy Austin, set up a blockbuster finish.
The Fever held on by a solitary point to become the last remaining undefeated team after the Sunshine Coast Lightning beat the Melbourne Vixens earlier in round six.
Fever goalshooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard was immaculate, scoring 49 goals from 49 attempts plus a supershot, while fellow Jamaican teammate Kadie-Ann Dehaney ruled the defence, frustrating compatriots Romelda Aiken-George and Shamera Sterling-Humphrey.
“The Jamaicans are very competitive so we expected a really good game, but not to come away with a one-goal win,” Dehaney said after the match.
“But we’re grateful for the win.”
Despite conceding 10 intercepts, West Coast’s shooting gave them the edge.
The Fever started the game stronger, running out to a 14-12 lead after the first quarter.
But the Thunderbirds dominated the second, scoring 16 points to 12 to take a lead into the main break.
“We were below standard, especially at the start with our work rate,” Dehaney said.
“We decided at halftime this is the line, when we get back out here we need to apply pressure, lift the standard of our work rate.”
Horjus was a stand-out for the Thunderbirds, amassing 20 goal assists on top of her three supershots to keep her team in the contest.
The result sets up league-leading Fever for a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash with the Vixens next weekend.
“Coming up against the Vixens is going to definitely be a hard game as well,” Dehaney said.
“They are a world-class team, they are very good, so it’s going to be a good encounter as well.”
AAP
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
