NETBALL-Nelson gets better off Fowler in emotional Magpies upset.

LAUNCESTON, Tasmania, CMC – Shimona Nelson matched the intensity of her Jamaica international teammate Jhaniele Fowler in a compelling duel, as she helped bottom-placed Collingwood Magpies upset playoff-bound West Coast Fever, 65-62, in the final round of group stage matches in the Australian Super Netball Championship.

The 24-year-old, six-foot, five-inch shooter poured in 51 goals from 55 attempts, an effort that saw Magpies lead 51-44 at Saturday’s start of the final quarter at the Silverdome.

Fowler, the experienced 33-year-old, six-foot, six-inch superstar, responded with 53 goals from 55 attempts, helping the reigning champions to rebound in the final quarter by out-scoring Magpies 18-14. Still, her fireworks were too little too late.

The result had little bearing on the playoffs. However, it denied Fever the opportunity to finish second, ending third on 36 points, two behind Adelaide Thunderbirds, who edged leaders New South Wales Swifts 60-57 on Saturday.

In next weekend’s semi-finals, Fever will face fourth-placed Melbourne Vixens while Swifts take on Thunderbirds.

Playing in their final game of the championship after announcing the wind-up of the team earlier in the campaign, Magpies led 16-15 at the end of the first quarter, with Nelson at the heart of their momentum.

Fowler helped Fever claw back to level 32-32 at half-time, but Magpies dominated the third quarter 19-12 to create the all-important cushion.

At the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken led Swifts with 27 goals from 30 attempts and registered a historic eight 000th career goal, but the hosts faltered in the final quarter after scores were tied at 42 at the end of the third.

For the winners, England’s Eleanor Cardwell scored 25 from 28 attempts, while Latanya Wilson, part of the Jamaican defensive pair including Shamera Sterling, finished with two intercepts and six deflections.

On Sunday at the same venue, the other top-four side Vixens went down 60-57 to Giants Netball, while at UniSc in Sunshine Coast, hosts Lightning – featuring Jamaican defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney – turned back Queensland Firebirds 66-60.