Netball: Thunderbirds thrash Fever

The Adelaide Thunderbirds beat West Coast Fever 58-39 at ETSA stadium in one of the least thrilling games of the trans-Tasman netball season.

Another strong performance by captain Natalie von Bertouch helped hold the Thunderbirds together tonight as below par performances by wing defence Mo'onia Gerrard and goal shooter Jane Altschwager looked likely to threaten the home side's chances of a fifth consecutive win.

The sixth-placed Fever (4-6) held the Thunderbirds (8-2) at bay until the second quarter, when skillful goal keeping by Thunderbird Geva Mentor prevented Fever from scoring more than four goals in the period.

By half time in the round 11 clash the Thunderbirds had widened the gap by more than half, with a 33-15 lead.

The Thunderbirds shooting duo succumbed to pressure from the Fever in the third quarter, attempting eight more shots than Fever but scoring one fewer goals.

However, the Thunderbirds managed to hold on to their lead and went on to forge a 19-goal victory.

The Perth side's Caitlin Bassett was the star performer on the day, delivering near perfect shooting for much of the game.

- AAP