Swifts continue winning ways

NSW Swifts maintained their winning momentum with a convincing 70-49 win over West Coast Fever in Perth tonight.

Backing up from Monday night, Swifts clinched their third straight win with an impressive outing. Having to work hard for a come-from-behind win the last time the pair met, just 10 days ago, the Swifts made no race of it tonight.

MATCH STATS

The visitors played with strong intent from the outset, their purpose and urgency maintained throughout as the Fever struggled to make any inroads. It was another disappointing effort from the home team after recording their biggest ever loss the week before and again they found life tough against an ever-improving Swifts team.

The Swifts converted a bright start into a comprehensive first 15 minutes, chalking up 18 goals as they took control of all facets of the court.

After a wobbly couple of weeks, captain Catherine Cox had her radar well tuned tonight as she and shooting partner Susan Pratley made a sizzling start. Fever, once again, were let down by poor execution, inaccurate passing causing early turnovers.

Swift defenders Sonia Mkoloma and Rebecca Bulley made an energetic start, with home team shooters Caitlin Bassett and Leah Shoard struggling for opportunities. The visitors had marched out to a 10-goal advantage before Fever reduced the damage slightly as the Swifts took a decisive 18-11 lead into the first break.

The Fever battled back strongly on the resumption showing more intent and urgency as they matched the Swifts for much of the quarter.

Defenders Ama Agbeze and Susan Fuhrmann put more pressure on Cox and Pratley while the Fever's flow through court improved with pint-sized goal attack Shoard driving and shooting strongly.

After pulling the margin back to five, Fever were unable to hold the momentum leading up to the main break. Feeding off Fever turnovers, Cox and Pratley provided the finishing touches as the Swifts wrested control back in their favour in nudging out to a 32-22 advantage.

Fever continued to plug away but were unable to make much impression on the well-drilled Swifts. The home team had their moments defensively but invariably struggled to penetrate their attacking third on a consistent basis.

Swifts overshadowed their counterparts as they worked effectively and efficiently through all areas of the court to make a growing impression on the scoreboard.

Fever really had no answer to a productive spell from the Swifts, who converted their dominance into a 48-37 lead heading into the last break.

With a view to their crucial match-up against Queensland Firebirds looming on Sunday, Swifts had the luxury of resting a back on-song Cox for the final quarter. She was replaced by Carla Dziwoki while Vanessa Ware and Ashleigh Brazill also got a run in the last quarter. In a slightly surprising move, Mo'onia Gerrard was also given nine minutes in the centre's bib.

The changes proved seamless as the Swifts marched relentlessly on.