WEST Coast Fever had a thrilling two-point victory over the Giants in front of a vocal crowd of 8306 fans at Perth Arena last night.
The home side secured first and second quarter bonus points winning the first 18-15 and the second 33-30 but a draw in the third quarter meant the point went begging.
Fever retained their composure during the physical first half but found themselves down by two goals during a time out in the third term, leading to bib changes with Jessica Anstiss moving to centre and Shannon England to wing defence.
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READ NOWThe change proved successful with the Fever levelling the score by the end of the quarter.
Only one goal separated the first (Fever) and second (Giants) on the ladder during the final term when a late defensive effort from captain Courtney Bruce that helped Fever pull away to finish two goals ahead.
Jhaniele Fowler was dominant in the forward circle finishing the game with 53 goals from 56 attempts.
Nat Medhurst helped Fever control possession up front with 37 feeds and 33 goal assists as well as 10 goals from 11 attempts.
Head Coach Stacey Marinkovich said the club’s first win over the Giants was “massive”.
“I wanted to see how we responded and I think that was a big question mark over the group,” she said.
“I’m so proud of the team collectively.
“Each game is like a finals game at the moment, this shows we can cope under pressure.”
The crowd with filled with netball clubs from around the state that are playing in the Association Championships at Perth Netball Association this long weekend.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray officially opened the championships before the game.