Sunshine Girls superstar Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard once again proved unstoppable, delivering a masterclass performance to guide West Coast Fever to a commanding 73-56 victory over GIANTS Netball in front of a delighted home crowd at RAC Arena.
The towering goal shooter was in scintillating form, netting a game-high 63 goals from 66 attempts, while also pulling down eight rebounds. Her dominant display powered Fever to a record-breaking 11th consecutive win, securing the Suncorp Super Netball League minor premiership with a round to spare.
Fowler-Nembhard was supported in the shooting circle by compatriot Shanice Beckford, who added three goals from five attempts and dished out 11 assists to keep the GIANTS’ defence under constant pressure.
Making the occasion even more special, Jamaican defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney celebrated her 100th national league appearance. She made an instant impact after being injected into the game, helping Fever open up a four-goal lead heading into the Power Five period.
Fever tightened their grip in the third quarter, turning up the defensive intensity and forcing a string of GIANTS’ errors. Despite a tactical timeout from the visitors, the margin continued to grow, with Fever heading into the final quarter holding a commanding 57-44 lead.
With the victory, West Coast Fever, who started the season with consecutive losses, claimed the club’s first-ever minor premiership, finishing atop the regular season standings with an unassailable 44 points from 13 matches. The result also guarantees Fever home-court advantage for the major semi-final, to be played at RAC Arena.
As the regular season approaches its final round, the NSW Swifts (36 points) and Melbourne Vixens (32 points) have also locked in their playoff spots. The race for the final place in the top four remains alive, with two-time defending champions Adelaide Thunderbirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning both tied on 28 points.