Batkovic primed for Flames mission

JCU Townsville Fire captain Suzy Batkovic believes that clamping down on defence will hold the key for the two-time reigning WNBL champions on Saturday night. Having given up home court advantage to the Sydney Uni Flames, the four-time WNBL MVP, who is attempting to lead her side to a historic three-peat, believes the Fire’s offence flows through their defence. The Flames are second only to Perth this season as the WNBL’s highest scoring team, however, the Fire are just behind in third and also boast the third stingiest defence to hand them the league’s best percentage. “I think this is going to be a grind all the way,” Batkovic said. “I think this is two good teams going at it and whoever turns up on the day is going to come away with the win.” https://twitter.com/TownsvilleFire/status/834517772252045312 Having squandered an opportunity to finish third last week, Batkovic said the team had been working hard on the training court. Chasing a fifth straight grand final appearance, the championship-winning skipper said the mood within the Fire’s camp had been positive. “The feeling amongst the team is pretty good,” Batkovic said. “It’s been a pretty good week on the training track. “Obviously after last weekend everyone has come in really aggressive and have been working really hard, so it’s been a good week.” The Fire face the Flames in the first semi-final at 6pm at Brydens Stadium on Saturday night, with the match live streamed via the WNBL’s YouTube channel. The series moves to Townsville Stadium on Friday, March 3 for game two. Click here to pre-purchase tickets to the Fire’s home semi-final against the Flames.