A dogged fourth quarter rally has earned the NSW Swifts a confidence-boosting 50-48 win over West Coast Fever in their round 11 Super Netball clash at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Friday night.
The Swifts trailed 39-34 at three quarter time in what had been a scrappy and fluctuating encounter, but mowed down the deficit in a tense final term, despite missing injured duo, captain Abbey McCulloch and vice captain Paige Hadley.
Fever were below their best for much of the first half but surged nearing the end of each of the first two quarters.
They chased an early six goal Swifts lead to trail by just two at quarter time. Despite continuing to struggle under intense defensive pressure from the home side in the second, Fever rallied again, drawing level at 23-23 with 90 seconds remaining and going into halftime at 24-24.
The tempo of the game lifted markedly after the break with West Coast captain Nat Medhurst stamping her authority at wing attack to spur the Fever to a seven goal lead before they went to three quarter time with a 39-34 advantage.
The Swifts refused to lie down, drawing level with five minutes left, setting up a frantic final push. Scores were locked at 47-47 with three minutes remaining but the Swifts held their nerve to gain a proud win.
Sam Wallace was again dependable at goal shooter with 35 goals from 39 attempts, while Claire O'Brien was impressive in mid-court. Fever young gun Jess Anstiss was a beacon for the visitors, while Medhurst was the marshal with 15 goals from 18 attempts.
Three rounds remain before the finals.
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