Netball: Swifts soar over Fever

PERTH - The NSW Swifts remain undefeated this transtasman netball season, overcoming a spirited West Coast Fever 61-52 at Challenge Stadium on Monday night.

The Swifts continue to make amends for a disappointing 2009 campaign after winning the inaugural ANZ Championship in 2008 and now hold a 9-0 record to sit two games clear atop the table with four rounds to go.

The Fever weren't able to continue their momentum from a come-from-behind win over the Melbourne Vixens two weeks ago.

The Swifts held an eight-goal advantage at halftime and the home side closed within three goals after the break but could not really challenge and slumped to a 2-7 record.

The Swifts' pressure through mid-court and defensive zone proved too much for the Fever and up front Catherine Cox shot 33-of-42 and Susan Pratley 28-of-36.

The Fever couldn't get enough ball inside their attacking circle but never stopped trying and Caitlin Bassett scored 38 goals with Leah Shoard 14.

Swifts attackers Cox and Pratley uncharacteristically missed five shots between them in the opening quarter, but still opened up a five-goal lead thanks to having seven more attempts.

The on-fire Swifts take on the Northern Mystics in Auckland on Saturday while the Fever host Central Pulse next Monday.

- AAP