Townsville Takes A Break For Christmas After Southside Stumble
Townsville Takes A Break For Christmas After Southside Stumble
Only a few players returned to Townsville following the Fire’s round four game, with the remainder of the side scattered around Australia, spending the Christmas with their family. Our women will hit the court again on Monday for training, when they turn their attention to hosting Canberra on New Year’s Eve. Townsville coach Shannon Seebohm believes the break will help his team bounce back from a first loss of the season.
“They’ll be back for practice on the 27th but it’s a great opportunity obviously for them to go and see family some of them haven’t seen their family for quite some time, so I’m really glad they get a chance to do that.”
The Fire made a strong start to the grand final rematch in Dandenong and led Southside by 18 points in the second quarter. The Flyers reduced the deficit to 13 by the main break, before eating into the margin further in the second half. The visitors scoring dried up and the defending champions hit the front down the stretch. Seebohm was disappointed but not disheartened by the result.
“We probably didn’t shoot the ball as well in that second half but I think that was a result of their defensive pressure. We certainly didn’t execute anywhere near as well and once we lost the lead, obviously momentum was very hard to get back. I’m excited, even though we lost I think we still took a big step forward. ”
Sug Sutton and Monique Billings both secured double doubles. The latter nailed 22 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Sutton posted 13 points and dished out 10 assists. The hosts kept Opal Lauren Nicholson quiet. Seebohm’s certain she’ll benefit from an extended rest.
“I think she’s got a little bit of soreness in that achilles but you know she’s so tough she doesn’t want to miss any games and she’s doing everything she possibly can to be ready each day she steps on the court.”
Townsville is second on the ladder, behind the Melbourne Boomers. The Fire will look to keep its 100 percent home record intact against the Capitals. Tickets for the clash at the Entertainment are on sale now.