FIRE READY TO OVERCOME ADVERSITY IN MELBOURNE AGAIN

The Fire’s pattern of results so far this season, suggests they will beat Melbourne tonight.  The Fire have won and lost in pairs, securing six victories from 12 games, and it should be back to the winner’s circle, following consecutive defeats. If only it was that easy… in fact, Townsville’s task has been made much harder, with Lauren Nicholson now sidelined after injuring her ankle against Canberra. Fire coach Shannon Seebohm concedes the co-captain’s absence is a major blow.

“It’s a big loss for us a lot of the things that we do go through Loz, both offensively and defensively. And there’s every chance we may not see her until finals or next season.”

Import Sug Sutton is also in the casualty ward, with a back complaint but Seebohm’s focusing on the positives rather than the side’s setbacks.

“The opportunity now lies with some other girls to get some minutes. Courtney Woods is someone that we have challenged to step up over the course of this season.”

The shooting guard scored 10 points in the nation’s capital, and she’ll need to build on that solid showing.

Townsville can use overcoming adversity in Melbourne last month as inspiration to do it again. The visitors produced one of the greatest comebacks in WNBL history when they stunned the Boomers in round 8, after trailing by 20 points. It was a highlight of Mia Murray’s distinguished career.

“It was just such an incredible effort. You know we’d all just had Covid, it was the second game of a double header on the road, and to do that, it was just a real sign of grit, it was just awesome.”

The Victorians gained revenge a week later in another epic encounter. Today’s tussle could make or break the Fire’s finals hopes, with the hosts sitting one spot above Townsville on the ladder, in fourth position.

Tip off is at 6.30 Queensland time. You can catch the action on Kayo and follow the Fire’s progress on the club’s social media pages.