Fire to host Remembrance Day blockbuster

November 9, 2018 | Townsville Fire news

The JCU Townsville Fire will host a Remembrance Day blockbuster as they go head-to-head with Melbourne for the first time since hosting the championship trophy aloft.

In recognition of the encounter, the Fire will play in a specially commissioned uniform to mark the centenary of armistice.

During the 2017/18 season, the Fire registered a 5-1 record against the Boomers as Suzy Batkovic was able to nullify the influence of former Opals teammate Liz Cambage.

The six-time league MVP was simply irrepressible during the best-of-three Grand Final series as she was awarded the Rachael Sporn Medal for her efforts at both ends of the floor.

But with Cambage now gone – replaced by Cayla George – a new match-up awaits but Batkovic remains unfazed.

“I know a lot of people go on about when someone leaves, but we don’t really worry about it to be honest. It’s not part of our prep,” Batkovic said.

“For us, it’s what do the Melbourne Boomers do well. We’re more making sure we have the scout down pat to try and force them out of what they like to do.

“In terms of scout, that’s one we probably don’t have to overthink because everybody knows what she (George) likes to do, but the biggest thing for us is just locking down as a team.”

While the Fire have made a slow start to their title defence, the Boomers have also struggled to find cohesion but enjoyed a strong win against Sydney Uni last night.

With George (27 points and eight rebounds) enjoying her best game since departing the Fire, the Boomers were able to record a 96-79 victory to improve their record to 4-3.

“It’s going to be a cracker of a game,” Batkovic said.

“We’re at home and we’ve got to make sure that we do our job.”

The Fire host the Boomers at Townsville Stadium from 3pm on Sunday.

Click here to pre-purchase your tickets to the Fire and the Boomers.

© Copyright 2024 Basketball Australia.
Site by SOD
Close