Lightning beat Fever in today’s Super Netball grand final.
Camera IconLightning beat Fever in today’s Super Netball grand final. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

West Coast Fever lose 59-62 in the Super Netball grand final against Sunshine Coast Lightning

Denise S. CahillWestern Suburbs Weekly

WEST Coast Fever has lost 59-62 against the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the Super Netball grand final in front of a record netball crowd of 13,722 at Perth Arena today.

It’s the second premiership for the Lightning, and West Australian goal shooter Caitlin Bassett who was named MVP, in two years.

Fever captain Courtney Bruce said the loss was “obviously disappointing” but she was proud of how the girls played today.

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“We are going to take a lot from this and I promise you we are going to come out firing (next season),” Bruce said.

“We lacked a bit of accountability defensively and up in attack… there was a little bit of nerves out there.”

Bruce said she enjoyed coming up against former teammate Bassett.

“I thought I got on top of her for moments in the game,” she said.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The home side started strong with a loud cheer of “Fever” behind them the entire game.

Lightning goal attack Steph Wood collided with the goal post with just over two minutes to go and was replaced by Cara Koenen, who has only scored 14 goals all season.

It was even at the first break.

Wood returned to the court two minutes in to the second quarter that Fever dominated, securing a three-goal lead going in to half time.

Tables turned in the third quarter when Lightning scored the first three goals to even the game.

The visitors had a three-goal lead at three quarter time.

It was goal for goal for much of the final quarter but Lightening slipped away to finish with a 62-59 win, celebrating as Fever players left the court shattered.

Fever coach Stacey Marinkovich said it was not surprising that Lightning came out strong in the third quarter.

“They’ve been strong in the third quarter all season,” Marinkovich said.

“They keep the ball short and take opportunities when they get it.

“This is just the beginning for us.

“We’ve come from 7th to playing in a grand final and I couldn’t be more proud of the brand of netball we have played.”