In a replay of the WNBL season opener, the Fire went wire to wire against league newcomers Geelong, this time though Townsville triumphed 85-61 at home. Playing in a rare Sunday afternoon time slot at the Fire Pit, the hosts hit the scoreboard first through a player promoted to the starting side. Saffron Shiels slotted the opening points, replacing Lauren Mansfield who was sidelined with a hamstring injury. All 5 starters got off the mark in first quarter, the Fire finished it 24-14 ahead.
In a contest full of hustle and heart both sides defence forced offensive errors and produced plenty of fouls. But there was no malice between the teams… until a sisters sibling squabble. That came midway through the second period when sisters Alicia and Keely Froling had a heated conversation presumably each unhappy with what the other got her for Christmas… It was the only heated moment of the battle as the siblings cooled their emotions at halftime… possibly after a talking to from mum and dad watching on.
Courtney Woods driving lay-up and 1, was the perfect way forTownsville to come out of after the break and it set the tone for commanding couple of minutes. A 16-2 run all but secured the result with a plenty of time left on the clock. The hosts continued to add to their tally while making it difficult for United to score. The third and fourth quarters were identical score lines 21-14 to the women in orange. A third win on the spin and a third dominant display at the Fire Pit. Lauren Cox (12), Alicia Froling (15,) Abbey Ellis (17)and Courtney Woods (23) all eased into double figures.
What Woody Said
The game’s highest scorer Woods was the most efficient she’s been all season, shooting at a superb 70% and knocking down all 8 of her free throws.
“Yeah I felt good, we’re finding our groove a little bit so it’s kind of nice to hit that in the mid-point of the season, and I think other players are starting to as well.”
The guard also topped the assists list with 6, hot on her tail was Shiels with 5. Woods was thrilled to see her teammate make the most of her starting debut.
“Yeah it was really exciting for her and seeing all the hard work she’s put in over the past 2 years that was really awesome for her to get that opportunity. But I think whether she’s starting or not, she’s really finding her feet here, so it’ll be really exciting for her going into the backend of the season.”
Coach’s Comments
While Shannon Seebohm enjoyed the scoring spread among his players, he was also content with their efforts out of possession. The visitors jacked up 84 shots but sunk less than a third of their attempts.
“They take the most shots in the paint in the league, so we knew they were going to be aggressive getting downhill and trying to go to the basket and for us it was just about trying to stay disciplined and contesting those shots without fouling. To our credit I think we did a good job at challenging shots without fouling for the most part and then be able to get stops and be able to run.”
He’s happy the Fire is heading into its New Year’s Eve encounter against Bendigo full of momentum but knows the hosts must lift for the ladder leaders, especially after racking up 20 turnovers.
“We just probably got caught toying with the ball a little bit too much and then from there that just flowed on to some other decisions that we made. But certainly something that we’ll need to tidy up going intoTuesday.”
A jovial crowd is expected at the Fire Pit for an excitingSpirit Showdown to see out 2024. Tuesday’s tip off is at 7pm and tickets are available here.
