Stanton shoots Fever clear

WEST Coast Fever have celebrated a historic night of Super Netball at Perth Arena in style with a 57-40 victory over Adelaide Thunderbirds powered by sharp shooter Kaylia Stanton.

Playing under an open roof for the first time in Super Netball – and what is believed to be a world first in team netball – the Fever overcame a sluggish start to dominate the second half and revenge their opening round loss to the Thunderbirds.

In a clash of the cellar dwellers, the Fever were more precise with their passing, enabling plenty of opportunities for Stanton, ( pictured), and fellow ace Natalie Medhurst. Standing 5cm taller than her opponent Fiona Themann, Stanton dominated the crucial matchup, connecting on 40 from 48 shots.

The 22-year-old was ably assisted by Medhurst, who went 17 from 21. Mired at the bottom of the ladder, the Thunderbirds’ top-four chances look forlorn after losing their sixth consecutive match, while a rejuvenated Fever won twice from their completed three-game home stand. The Thunderbirds came out strongly with five straight goals to open an early buffer only for the Fever to regain the initiative.

Led by gritty defence from Courtney Bruce and Stacey Francis, the Fever dominated the backend of the first quarter with a 14-5 run to lead by five goals at the break.

The visitors were gallant in the second quarter but couldn’t bridge the gap as the Fever took control of proceedings with a dominant start after half-time to open up a sizeable 11-goal lead.