It was heartbreak for Jamaica’s Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Shanice Beckford, and Kadie-Ann Dehaney as the West Coast Fever narrowly missed out on a place in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League grand final, following a nail-biting 73-72 loss to the Melbourne Vixens in the preliminary final at John Cain Arena on Saturday.
Fowler-Nembhard, who showcased superb form throughout the season, scored an impressive 60 goals from 62 attempts, including four two-goal Super Shots. Beckford contributed with four goals from four attempts, and Alice Teague-Neeld added five goals, including three from the Super Shot line. Despite their valiant efforts, the Fever could not overcome the Vixens, who relied heavily on Sophie Garbin’s perfect 40 goals from 40 attempts and Kiera Austin’s 33 goals from 32 attempts, including four from the Super Shot line.
The victory earned the Vixens a spot in next week’s grand final against the reigning champions, the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Fiercely contested
The match was fiercely contested from the start, with Dehaney making an early impact on the defensive end. The Fever’s defensive pressure initially stifled the Vixens’ attack, allowing the Perth-based team to establish a five-goal lead. However, the Vixens managed to close the gap, making it a one-goal game at 18-19 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw both teams exchange 19 goals each in a thrilling end-to-end battle, with the Fever maintaining a slender one-goal lead at halftime, 38-37.
Despite increasing their tempo and defensive pressure at the start of the third quarter, the Fever lost momentum as the Vixens found their rhythm, outscoring their opponents 20-14 to take a 57-52 lead heading into the final quarter.
A late rally
The Vixens extended their lead in the final quarter, but the Fever, known for their resilience, mounted a late rally. Fowler-Nembhard and Teague-Neeld scored crucial Super Shots in the dying minutes. However, their efforts fell just short as the Vixens held firm for a one-goal victory.
The Vixens’ win not only secured them a place in the grand final but also gave them a chance to avenge their major semi-final defeat against the Thunderbirds. Meanwhile, the Fever’s hopes of reaching the grand final were dashed in a match that will be remembered for its intensity and dramatic conclusion.
Deandra Dottin announces return to International cricket
By Ben McLeod
Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Saturday that Deandra Dottin has decided to come out of retirement and will once again be available to represent the West Indies Women’s international cricket team.
In a heartfelt letter to CWI, Dottin expressed her enthusiasm for returning to the game.
“Representing West Indies in international cricket has always been a matter of great pride and passion for me. After a period of reflection and thoughtful dialogue with various parties within Cricket West Indies, including Cricket West Indies President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, I am pleased to inform you that I am eager to return to the game that I love and contribute my utmost to the West Indies women’s team across all formats, with immediate effect,” Dottin stated.
She continued, “I am confident that my experience, maturity, and skills will add value to the team as it has done in the past, and I am prepared to furnish my best efforts in every match and training session to ensure the team’s winning trajectory in international cricket. Moreover, I am enthusiastic about mentoring younger players and contributing to the overall development of women’s cricket in our region.”
Miles Bascombe welcomes Dottin’s return
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, welcomed Dottin’s return, acknowledging her talent and potential impact on the team. “Deandra is a player of immense ability and experience. We are pleased with her decision to return to international cricket and be eligible for selection. There is no doubt that she could add significant value to the West Indies Women’s teams,” he said.
Dottin, who will lead the Trinbago Knight Riders women’s team for the third consecutive year in the upcoming WCPL tournament, last played for the West Indies in 2022. She has played 270 international matches across the ODI and T20I formats. Notably, in 2010, she scored the first Women’s T20I century. Last month, MCC awarded Dottin with Honorary Life Membership of the club.
The West Indies Women will have a camp in August 2024, with players also engaged in the CPL next month. Their next international assignment will be the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh from October 2-19 later this year.
Dottin’s return is anticipated to boost the team’s performance and inspire the next generation of female cricketers in the West Indies.
