Courtney Woods delivered a standout performance, leading the Townsville Fire to a thrilling 90-84 victory over the Southside Melbourne Flyers on March 10, 2024. After struggling with a hamstring injury that limited her to just 11 points in her first two matches back, Woods excelled at the State Sport Centres, scoring a season-high 27 points and providing four assists.
Despite the win, Townsville could not surpass the Bendigo Spirit, who currently hold the top position in the WNBL with a strong record of 13-3. The Fire now sit at 12-4, maintaining a slim lead over the third-placed Perth Lynx, who have a record of 13-4.
The match was not without its challenges for Townsville. They built a commanding 18-point lead in the third quarter, only to see it dwindle as the Flyers rallied back to within one point midway through the final quarter. However, Woods and teammate Abbey Ellis responded with crucial scoring, allowing Townsville to secure the win.
Ellis contributed significantly with 15 points and five rebounds, while Miela Sowah added 17 points. The victory ended Southside Melbourne’s three-game unbeaten streak, intensifying the competition for playoff positions.
Coaches Reflect on Key Moments
Fire coach Shannon Seebohm praised his team’s effort despite the late-game pressure. “Seven turnovers is elite… I’d say that was the difference in the game,” he stated. “We obviously extended that (lead) out to 18. It wasn’t ideal that we let it disappear, but I’m really proud of the team for grinding that out. The longer the season goes on, there are going to be more games where we’ve got to be able to execute down the stretch.”
The loss adds pressure to the Flyers, who now share a 7-9 record with the UC Capitals, currently fourth in the standings. Meanwhile, the Sydney Flames, sitting at 6-12, are just one win behind them with four rounds remaining in the season.
In addition to Woods’ performance, the Flyers’ Opals trio showcased their skills, with Isabelle Bourne grabbing 10 rebounds, Maddy Rocci contributing eight assists, and Cayla George notching 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Despite their efforts, the Flyers faced challenges, including a total of 23 personal fouls that proved costly.
Head coach Kristi Harrower expressed frustration regarding officiating decisions that hindered her team’s momentum. “It’s pretty tough when calls don’t go your way. Those moments kill you because you’re trying to make a run, trying to get back into the game, trying to get momentum, and you can’t get calls to go your way,” she remarked. “Then they shoot 21 from 25 on the foul line. We’ve got to look at ourselves and realize we didn’t put 40 minutes together.”
The match featured a dynamic first half, with Townsville initially attempting to take control with a 13-2 run. However, Southside Melbourne fought back, and Woods’ scoring surge helped extend Townsville’s lead to 50-38 at halftime. While Rocci and George tried to close the gap after the break, Townsville managed just enough to clinch the victory.
As the season progresses, the competition intensifies, and the Fire will aim to build on this victory while the Flyers will seek to regroup in the quest for a playoff berth.
