Super Sunday seals the deal

By Phina Newton

The NSW Swifts were no match for the West Coast Fever, who off the back of a big defensive effort by Sunday Aryang were able to put up a 40-goal second half to take the win.

Both teams were off to a hot start in this game, the ball flew with pace between players before making its way into the hands of two of the best shooters in the competition, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, and Sam Wallace-Joseph.

The ball certainly wasn’t sticking, it took minimal passes for the ball to get into the shooting circle. Typically, the Fever opt for the lob into Fowler-Nembhard, but against the likes of the twin towers – Sarah Klau and Elle Temu, it was easier to just send it through when their eyes were elsewhere. Kelsey Browne did this brilliantly, passing multiple bullets through the gaps.

By the time the Power Five was in play, sharpshooter Sophie Fawns had been subbed on. She didn’t miss, but both Fowler-Nembhard and Shanice Beckford were up to the challenge, nailing a couple of their own. It was considered a win for them to restrict the Swifts from taking and making super shots.

The second quarter was much better for the Swifts. By lifting their defensive pressure, they were able to cause a couple of turnovers, and Wallace-Joseph was able to capitalise.

The turnover rate was rising, and it was as if both teams were playing at a pace that left them out of control, however, it was the Swifts who were able to take advantage.

Helen Housby was being targeted by the Fever defence and as a result was subbed for Fawns. The Swifts were steadily growing in confidence, and this caused the Fever to call a time-out.

This was enough to encourage Aryang to get after the ball, and she did, earning her team the ball and some momentum.

With the lead at five goals, Housby was put back on with Fawns, hoping to make the most of the Power Five. While Housby continued to struggle, Fawns proved unstoppable, nailing her sixth super shot for the game.

Unable to sink her seventh, it was Beckford down the other end who was able to sink one last super shot for the half and put her team up by one goal heading into the break.

The Swifts showed great promise before the main break, winning the second quarter, and starting to find some rhythm. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t maintain that momentum.

The Fever returned from the break with the familiar ease of finding Fowler-Nembhard and a regained efficiency of scoring off their centre pass. Their centre pass to goal rate percentage was 88 per cent for the quarter compared to the Swifts' 65 per cent.

Aryang was hellbent on preventing Housby from receiving the ball, but when the Swift did get the ball in her hands and have her chances, she couldn’t make it count.

Once again as the super shot came into play, it was Fawns and Beckford who were in a game of their own.

Heading into the final term with a nine-goal lead, the Fever remained in control and the Swifts were unable to find any answers.

Aryang continued her fine form, flying everywhere and using her length to deter and confuse the Swifts. The Fever's defensive pressure stayed consistent, but it was the way they maintained their aggression in attack that was pivotal to them pulling away.

Browne worked tirelessly in the midcourt and her connection with Fowler-Nembhard only blossomed.

The Swifts faced a 12-goal deficit when the final Power Five of the game sounded, but surprisingly they didn’t opt to have Fawns on. Instead, they put Housby and Wallace-Joseph in together, the aim for Housby to get more ball.

Nonetheless, Housby was held, and it was a dominant 16-goal win in the end for the Fever.