Fever’s defensive work throughout the game made life difficult for the Vixens. The win sees Fever draw level with the Vixens on points and depending on the result of the final game, there could be a three-way tie at the top of the ladder with one game remaining.
Q1 Fever 20 | Vixens 15
Fever went direct and fast to Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard right from the first centre pass as they sought to put scoreboard pressure on the Vixens.
The defensive combination of Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Fran Williams and Sunday Aryang was putting the Vixens under pressure and creating gains which Fever were converting at the other end. Dehaney’s three gains, two rebounds and an interception were critical.
A supershot to Shanice Beckford during Power Five enabled Fever to build a five-goal lead at the first break.
Q2 Fever 34 | Vixens 34
Fever continued there fast, direct play in the second term as Alice Teague-Neeld was becoming ever more influential at Wing Attack.
Olivia Wilkinson entered the game halfway through the quarter, while at the other end the Vixens had to change their goal circle, in a sign Fever’s defensive efforts were making life hard for Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin.
Fever led by eight at the start of the Power Five however, four supershots from Lily Graham saw the teams enter the main break all square.
Q3 Fever 52 | Vixens 52
The final-like contest continued in the third quarter as the teams traded blows.
Fever’s defence continued to win ball and providing chance for Fever to score. Three gains, an intercept and four rebounds for the quarter were the cornerstone of Fever’s performance.
Five Fever goals in a row midway through the quarter saw the visitors turn three-goal deficit into a two-goal lead heading into the Power Five.
Another supershot to Graham ensured the teams would head into the last quarter with nothing separating them.
Q4 Fever 68 | Vixens 67
The quarter get off to the best start as the Vixens pulled off an intercept off first centre pass and converted to go in front.
Skipper Jess Anstiss, who had relish the move to Centre for the full four quarters, made a critical intercept which saw Fever get a run on and build a three-goal buffer.
By the time the supershot period started, Fever were up by four and the Vixens were coming hard.
Despite three Vixens supershots, Fever were able to stand up a crucial moments and come home with the four points.
Fever take on the Melbourne Mavericks in the final regular season game for 2024. Get your tickets via Ticketek
