Netball

Fowler-Nembhard dominant as Fever rebound with win over Lightning in Suncorp Super Netball

By Sports Desk June 01, 2024
Fowler-Nembhard dominant as Fever rebound with win over Lightning in Suncorp Super Netball Suncorp Super Netball

Jamaican superstar goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard was at her usual dominant best to help her West Coast Fever secure a hard-fought victory (71-68) against the Sunshine Coast Lightning in a back-and-forth tussle in Suncorp Super Netball action at UniSC Arena on Saturday.

Despite the Lightning winning time in possession, the Fever's exceptional shooting accuracy (97%) and success with Super Shots (5/9) propelled them to victory in front of an enthusiastic away crowd.

Fowler-Nembhard stood out as the player of the match, amassing an impressive 119.5 Nissan Net Points and shooting at an astounding 98% (53/54) during regular match time.

Shanice Beckford was also instrumental in the win with 13 goal assists and 17 feeds.

The Fever have now reclaimed their position at the top of the table and will take on the Adelaide Thunderbirds next on Saturday June 8.

Elsewhere, goal defence Jodi-Ann Ward's 33.5 Nissan Net Points were not enough to prevent her GIANTS Netball outfit from being defeated 74-60 by the Melbourne Vixens at John Cain Arena.

The Vixens shot accurately, 62/67 for 90% to be exact, while also having the edge in time of possession, intercepts and turnovers.

Goal shooter Sophie Garbin was the star of the day for the Vixens with 119.5 Nissan Net Points after producing 48 goals from 51 attempts.

The Vixens, who handed the Fever their first loss last week, are second in the table with just one loss in eight games, same as the Fever.

 

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    Jamaica’s netball star Latanya Wilson is riding high on the wave of success, both personally and professionally.

    After two stellar seasons with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Australia's Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League, Wilson is poised for even greater accomplishments, with two more years to go on her three-year contract, which concludes in 2026.

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    “My time with Adelaide has been a dream. When I first joined the Thunderbirds, I knew it was going to be a challenge, but the team has embraced me, and together we’ve achieved so much in a short space of time. We’ve been able to build a winning culture, and I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person,” Wilson told SportsMax.Tv as she reflected.

    “Winning two titles in the best league in the world is a massive achievement in my career, and I'm immensely proud of my team and myself for our hard work and dedication. But there’s still more to accomplish, more titles to chase, and more growth to be had,” she added, while flashing her infectious smile.

    The dynamic defender’s powerful performances have earned her a reputation as one of the league’s premier players, and her contributions, in tandem with Sunshine Girls teammate Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, have helped the Thunderbirds emerge as perennial title contenders.

    Speed, confidence, and good timing are key to Wilson's defensive prowess, and that, coupled with her ability to read the game, disrupt opponents, and rally her team during critical moments, has made her a fan favorite.

    The 23-year-old tallied 46 intercepts, 89 deflections, 19 general turnovers, and 11 rebounds last season, and that has left her excited about what the next two years will bring with the Thunderbirds.

    “While there's always pressure to perform, our focus is on continuous improvement as a team. If we achieve that, defending the title will come naturally for us, so I’m excited for what’s to come, and I know that with the talent and determination we have in this team, we can achieve even greater things,” Wilson declared.

    While club success remains at the forefront of her mind, Wilson is also gearing up for an exciting chapter in her international career, as Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls are set to engage England in a four-match series against England, and her expectations are high.

    With both teams tied on 187 rating points, a series win for the fourth-ranked Sunshine Girls would see them leap above their third-ranked opponents.

    The series will see the Jamaicans travelling to England for the first two matches, scheduled for November 16 and 17, while the return games will take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Jamaica on November 25 and 26.

    “The series against England is a big one for us. England is a tough opponent, but we’ve been working hard, and we’re ready for the challenge. Every game is an opportunity to get better, and we’re focused on building on our performances from the Netball World Cup to continue representing Jamaica at the highest level,” she shared.

    Though the task of balancing university and a professional career can be an arduous journey, the soft-spoken Wilson is committed to pushing the barriers to achieve what she set out to. 

    “I stay motivated by the desire to provide for my family and my love for the game. Physically, I'm constantly pushing myself to improve through training and being accountable, and I approach each game with respect and determination,” Wilson reasoned.