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Fever start 2024 in fine fashion
West Coast Fever has thrown down the gauntlet to their opponents, rattling off a record 84-65 win over Giants Netball in the Super Netball season opener.
The Fever led from start to finish and showed their new list has plenty of speed, flexibility, and scoring prowess as the Jamaican duo of Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and Shanice Beckford transferred their international connection onto the SSN court.
Beckford was joined by Fran Williams and Olivia Wilkinson in making their SSN debuts, while Kelsey Browne and Kadie-Ann Dehaney wore the green dress for the first time.
Fever make up for lost time
The Fever started the game with an attacking blitz, scoring the first three goals and forcing the Giants into a timeout. Fowler-Nembhard was in scintillating form, shooting at 100% in the first quarter and giving the Giants defense nightmares.
The Giants fought back to trail by just five goals at the first break, but the Fever continued to pile on the pressure in the second quarter. Beckford and Fowler-Nembhard combined seamlessly, and the Fever extended their lead to 11 goals by halftime.
Giants fight back but Fever hold on
The Giants came out firing in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to just six goals. However, the Fever steadied the ship and regained control of the game in the fourth quarter.
Fowler-Nembhard finished with a remarkable 70 goals from 78 attempts, while Beckford added 12 goals from 18 attempts. Harten led the Giants’ scoring with 41 goals from 49 attempts, while Sophie Dwyer added 17 goals from 23 attempts.
Ryan pleased with Fever’s performance
Fever coach Dan Ryan was pleased with his team’s performance, particularly their ability to adapt to the Giants’ different defensive strategies.
“I thought everyone played their role, the changes were seamless,” Ryan said. “We knew the Giants would come out hard, but we were able to weather the storm and get the win.”
Fitzgerald disappointed with Giants’ performance
Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald was disappointed with her team’s performance, particularly their lack of intensity in the first half.
“I think we were a little bit shell-shocked to begin with in the first half of that match,” Fitzgerald said. “We certainly didn’t play the way we’ve been training.”
“Everyone’s got to step up,” Fitzgerald added.
The Fever’s win is a warning to the rest of the Super Netball competition that they are a team to be reckoned with in 2024. With Fowler-Nembhard in such devastating form, they will be a tough team to beat.
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