Fever powers to big win for Marinkovich

New Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich celebrated a big weekend when West Coast Fever demolished Sunshine Coast Lightning.

West Coast Fever players were inspired to perform for coach Stacey Marinkovich after her elevation to the national job Picture: Getty Images

New Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich celebrated a big weekend when West Coast Fever posted a record-equalling score in its 80-56 demolition of third-placed Sunshine Coast Lightning.

Fever coach Marinkovich was announced as a surprise choice for the national team job on Saturday and her club side backed up the faith showed in their mentor with an inspired performance.

Only the Lightning and NSW Swifts have previously scored 80 in the Super Netball competition.

The Fever led by three at quarter time but it blew out to 19 by half time. Jhaniele Fowler finished the match with 57 goals.

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“I think we had a lot to prove today … also for our coach who has just been made Diamonds coach,” Fever centre Verity Charles told the Nine Network.

“We just wanted to back her and show her that everything she’s doing is paying off.”

The Fever leapfrogged GWS Giants to move to fourth place on the ladder.

Earlier, the Queensland Firebirds took a crucial step towards becoming a contender after sealing a thrilling 54-53 win over Adelaide in the “Battle of the Birds”.

The Firebirds held an 11-goal lead early in the third quarter on Sunday but the Thunderbirds clawed their way back to take a two-goal lead late in the game at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.

Having finally broken their year-long winless drought though, the Firebirds had the belief to fight back and held their nerve in the final, hectic minutes on the back of outstanding defence from Kim Jenner (two intercepts, four gains) and Tara Hinchliffe (five gains, six deflections), and the steady hand of Romelda Aiken (40 from 44).

NCA Newswire