Netball: Fever clip the Magpies at Perth Arena

WEST Coast Fever won their first home game of the season 68-57 against the Magpies in front of 5638 people at Perth Arena last night.

Both teams fielded predictable starting line ups with Verity Charles starting in centre for Fever despite rolling her ankle against the Adelaide Thunderbirds last week.

The visitors started strong scoring three unanswered goals but Fever came back to even the game half way through the quarter and were leading 15-14 at the first break.

There was only one change of bib early in the second quarter with Shae Brown replacing Erin Bell during a time out just minutes in to the second term.

In the second quarter, Magpies goal keeper could do little to stop Fever goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler who took the home side to a 34-26 lead at half time.

Magpies made a few changes going in to the third quarter with Bell back in goal attack and Brown picking up the centre bib.

The visitors picked up the third quarter bonus point winning the term 19-17 but Fever still held the lead 51-45.

Fever saved their best for last winning the final bonus point with a 17-12 final quarter and taking the game 68-57.

Fowler finished with 62 goals from 67 attempts while Nat Medhurst and Charles ended the match with 42 and 32 feeds respectively.

Fever Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich said the defensive pressure of her side was a highlight of Fever’s game.

“The girls were sensational, and we knew it was going to be a bit more physical and the pace of the game was a lot faster,” Marinkovich said.

“We just had to lock in to the way we wanted to play, and our defensive pressure across the whole court gave Stacey (Francis) and Courtney (Bruce) the chance to get some ball.”

“We’re setting a standard as to how we want to play, and I think that in itself speaks volumes.”