Bassett on target as Fever thrash T'birds

Apr 2, 2016 - 9:40 AM Goal-shooter Caitlin Bassett was at her efficient best for West Coast as they thrashed Adelaide 63-44 in their trans-Tasman netball series season-opener in Perth on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Australian attacker was accurate as always, shooting 47 goals from 49 attempts to lead the Fever to the emphatic victory at HBF Stadium.

Even without injured captain Ash Brazill, the Fever - who made the finals for the first time last year - were far too clinical for the Thunderbirds.

Brazill missed the match due to a left knee complaint, but Shae Brown stepped up in her absence with a busy game at centre.

Fever coach Stacey Rosman is hopeful Brazill will be fit for next round away to the Northern Mystics in Auckland on Monday week.

"We're aiming for next week," Rosman said.

"It was late in the week it stirred up again. I'd rather make sure that Brazz is ready for the full season rather than risk her and extend her being out."

West Coast were rusty in the first term but were able to hold a 12-9 advantage.

Adelaide goal-shooter Carla Borrego limped off late in the first quarter, having battled a knee complaint in pre-season.

Bassett piled on 20 goals in the second stanza, supported by Diamonds goal-attack Nat Medhurst, as the hosts opened up a 16-goal buffer at the main break.

Thunderbirds goal attack Erin Bell (8 goals from 16 attempts) was wayward with her shooting, while the Fever missed just once in the entire first half.

The visitors started the third term with intent, with Barrego (17 of 21) returning to good effect, although Courtney Bruce's tight marking left her frustrated at times.

Despite their best efforts, Adelaide went into the final change down 50-35.

Bassett and Brown were rested midway through the final term, as the Fever ran out 19-goal winners, with debutant Kaylia Stanton scoring five late goals.

Adelaide coach Michelle Den Dekker bemoaned her side's inability to convert turnovers, along with their inaccuracy at goal.

"We only had six less attempts than Fever," she said.

"We shot at 72 per cent and they shot at 96 per cent. Again it's not good enough.

"We've had a few injuries in pre-season, with Carla, but it's no excuse, we need to shoot higher."

Source: AAP