Official Result & Statistics

Official Result: West Coast Fever (58) def NSW Swifts (57)

• Fever keep finals hopes alive
• Fever’s Shae Brown celebrates 100th match in style
• Fever post first win against Swifts since 2013 and first win in Newcastle

Showing their growing maturity, the West Coast Fever took an important victory in the lead up to Conference Finals, after clinching a thrilling 58-57 win over the NSW Swifts in Newcastle on Saturday.

With their season on the line, the Fever responded in style, staunchly defending a three-goal lead at the last break to upset the highly fancied Swifts.

It was the perfect result for Fever stalwart Shae Brown, in her 100th match, as the visitors’ posted just their fourth win against the Swifts and first since 2013.

With Swifts captain Kimberlee Green and Fever defender Courtney Bruce sidelined through injuries, both teams were missing key components in the all-important match-up.

Befitting the nature of the match, it was a tight and evenly contested opening. Swifts defender Sharni Layton was prominent early before the Fever responded with a strong finish.

However, Fever were unable to fully capitalise on their greater share of the possession, the more accurate shooting of Swifts pairing Caitlin Thwaites and Susan Pettitt helping the home team keep the scores on an even footing to finish all-square at 13-all at the first break.

More involvement from Fever goal attack and match MVP Natalie Medhurst, whose strong driving detracted attention away from shooting ace Caitlin Bassett, the visitors made all the early running on the resumption.

Dogged defence helped the Fever halt the Swifts attacking moment as the visitors swung out to five goal advantage. However, the home team’s response was emphatic.

With Pettitt featuring both defensively and on attack, the Swifts roared back into contention. Finding more space and flow on attack, the home team quickly reduced the deficit with some decisive passages to regain the initiative when leading 31-27 at the main break.

In a game of big momentum swings, the tide turned once again when the Fever stepped up to deliver a dominant third stanza. Within four minutes of the restart, the visitors had levelled the scores, going on to hit the lead shortly after.

That prompted a midcourt reshuffle from the Swifts, including Stephanie Wood coming off the bench to wing attack. But it was the Fever who held sway, smothering defence creating turnover opportunities and Bassett making sure it counted on the scoreboard.

Throwing everything at the Swifts, it was the Fever who took a 44-41 lead into the last break and with it the promise of a thrilling run to the line.

Swifts Shooting Statistics-
Caitlin Thwaites 37/40 (93%)
Susan Pettitt 20/23 (87%)

Fever Shooting Statistics-
Caitlin Bassett 45/50 (90%)
Natalie Medhurst 13/14 (93%)

MVP: Natalie Medhurst (Fever)

ENDS

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