George sizzles in Fire return

October 7, 2017 | Townsville Fire news

The JCU Townsville Fire have claimed a first-up 63-54 victory over the Melbourne Boomers thanks to a scintillating return from Cayla George.

Having helped lead the Fire to back-to-back WNBL championships, the Rio Olympian spent last season in Hungary, but agreed to a return to North Queensland in 2017/18 and she did not disappoint.

With skipper Suzy Batkovic battling foul trouble for most of the match, George was simply breathtaking for the Fire, posting a game-high 17 points, 21 rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block en route to being named the Recoverite MVP.

George’s capacity to nullify Opals teammate Liz Cambage (15 points and four rebounds) proved just as telling, with Darcee Garbin (seven points and four rebounds) also providing much-needed help.

“That’s why we brought her back,” Fire coach Claudia Brassard said.

“She did a great job in the first half keeping the scoreboard ticking over when we were struggling with our offensive execution and she was exceptional on the glass.

“I thought we did a good job over taking Melbourne out of their stuff in the second half – we got a lot of deflections and stops – and we were able to control the tempo which we wanted to do.

“Clearly, we have some things to work on, but it’s great to be able to come away with a win.”

Back-to-back bombs from George in the opening term allowed the Fire to open up an early cushion before the Boomers came roaring back.

With scores level at 16-16 at quarter-time, the hosts were able to put the clamps on the Fire’s scoring capacity in the second term as Batkovic sat with three fouls.

Mia Murray (nine points and three rebounds) finally shook off some early shooting issues to keep the Fire within striking distance as they went into the main change trailing 28-32.

In the third quarter, the Fire broke the game open as Murray, Kelly Wilson, George and Garbin all knocked down three-point attempts as they opened up a double-digit lead.

The Fire never looked back from there as they held their nerve down the stretch to secure a crucial road win.

Laurin Mincy had eight points and four assists in her Fire debut, while Micaela Cocks also finished with eight points including back-to-back triples in the final term to keep the Boomers at bay.

The Fire host the UC Capitals next Friday night in their first home game of the season at Townsville Stadium.

Click here to see full box scores from the Fire and the Boomers.

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