Bulleen vs Townsville - the showdown for second spot

[Sherlock]

Although I backed Bendigo last night, was a tad surprised to see Townsville go the way they did late in that game.

It's no secret the Fire needs to split this weekend's road trip to secure second, and with a 5 point lead at halftime, and even down by 1 at the final break, they had a great chance to get what they came for. But now it's all down to tonight's second leg against Bulleen. History wise, we've got a similar scenario to what we had last night, ie Townsville having thumped their opposition by 30 earlier in the season at home, but now find themselves underdogs on the road.

Bulleen is obviously the more rested team and with home court advantage that appears to be a much bigger plus-factor in womens basketball than in mens.

So do the Boomers roll easily tonight ? They have revenge + rest + home court advantage ... But I have no doubt Townsville will be stung by last night's second half collapse and won't intend on going lightly tonight.

thoughts ?

[Left Field]

Has Townsville beaten any of the other top 5 teams away from Townsville??

I know they lost both games in Canberra, but I can't remember how they went in the others. They do seem to struggle against away for North Queensland, and I think it will be the case against Bulleen.

I've been very impressed with the Boomers this season. Even though Canberra beat them comfortably both times this season, they were early in the season, I think they have improved since then, even without Hammonds. I'm hoping we have a Canberra-Bullen GF as it would be a high tempo, potentially high scoring game.

I think Bulleen will win by 5-10pts.

[ScoopJackson]

Has Townsville beaten any of the other top 5 teams away from Townsville??

I think they beat Bulleen at Bullen earlier in the season - but I could be wrong. Didn't they also get Bendigo in Bendigo as well?

Either way it doesn't matter. Townsville trounched Bulleen at home, and that was when they had Hammonds. Without her, that leaves Penaluna V Crouse - their outputs nullify each other in my opinion.
Kerr v Carr? Kerr to get the upperhand in that battle - although I am a Carr fan.
Milner v Flanagan - Rachel has the job ahead of her tonight.
Galubitz v Cox - Cox to win this one. I hope Desee doesn't heat up, as the Boomers play well when she does.
Lewis v ? - Who am I fogetting?

Anyhow, for the Fire to get up tonight I think Cox needs to get 20 or more. The Crouse v Penaluna contest is critical - both have to stay out of foul trouble. If I was Peter Buckle, I would start Kerr on Penanluna; Penaluna is a finess player and someone like Kerr will be able to get her off balance/ruffle her feathers a bit, just to start with.

Looking foward to the LIVE streaming. Fire by 10.

[ScoopJackson]

Whoops, it was Hibbert I was forgetting. Lets hope she doesn't go off for 20 tonight or i could be a long night for Townsville!

[Dunkin' Dan]

She went off for 20 (& 9) tonight, and it was a long night for Townsville.

Bulleen steals 2nd spot.

[Left Field]

Credit to Chambers and her players to remain competetive after the loss of Hammonds. They are a very good and deep team, and should give the Caps a real tough game on Friday night.

And Hibbert's a class act. How can you forget about her??? :D

[Knox_team]

great atmosphere at Bullee last night the Boomers did sensationally to get the win. They announced that Hibbert is retiring from WNBL basketball at the end of this season. Hopefully she continues that form in the finals and she finishes a winner.

[misty hyman]

great atmosphere at Bulleen last night the Boomers did sensationally to get the win. They announced that Hibbert is retiring from WNBL basketball at the end of this season. Hopefully she continues that form in the finals and she finishes a winner.

It's a shame to see that, especially when coupled with McInerney and Benningfield also finishing up, even if the latter only played one season here I was hoping she might have stayed on at Dandenong. Will we also Woosnam calling it time? These losses coupled with Whittle, Anderson, Bevilaqua & Brogan from last season see a lot of experience lost to the league in quick order. :(

Coupled with the loss of 'newer' talent like Screen and Phillips and maybe more going to Europe next season sure impacts upon the standard of the league . I believe a serious look at a return to winter is now due.