Fire Fall in Game 1 of Grand Final Series, Look to Bounce Back at Home
Fire Fall in Game 1 of Grand Final Series, Look to Bounce Back at Home
In a tough and physical battle, the Townsville Fire fell short against the Bendigo Spirit in Game 1 of the WNBL Grand Final series, going down 70-60 in a low-scoring affair in a scorching Bendigo stadium. Despite a strong opening quarter, the Fire were unable to sustain their momentum as Bendigo’s experience and defensive pressure took hold.
Townsville came out firing, taking a seven-point lead into the first break, setting the tone early with high-intensity play. However, as the game progressed, the Spirit clawed their way back, using their veteran presence to dictate the tempo and grind out a win on their home floor.
Abbey Ellis continued her breakout season with a standout performance, leading the Fire with 17 points. Her offensive spark kept Townsville within striking distance, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Bendigo’s defensive pressure in the second half.
Head Coach Shannon Seebohm remained optimistic after the game, confident that his young squad can turn the series around when they return home for Game 2 on Sunday.
“Bendigo have over 1000 WNBL games played more than our team, but we’ve been in this position before,” Seebohm said. “We had a similar outcome in our last regular season game against Perth, took the lessons from that, and responded the right way. We’ll do the same again this time.”
With the home crowd at the Fire Pit ready to rally behind them, the Fire will be looking to level the series and force a decisive Game 3.
Game 2 tips off on Sunday, and Townsville will need to bring their best to keep their championship hopes alive.
There are less then 300 tickets remaining for Sunday’s clash at the Fire Pit, and we would love to see the Fire Pit filled, General Manager Sam Pascoe is overwhelmed by the support from the Townsville community.
“ I can’t thank the community enough for their support, I know we didn’t get the job done in Game 1, but this is the positive about a 3 game Championship series, we get the chance to refocus and play our way on our home court, with the best fans in the league behind us.”
