On the weekend we made the long drive down to Goulburn to gain some playing experience as a team against the reigning premier’s the Canberra Capitals. Given the warm temperature it was difficult to restrain ourselves from pulling in at one of at least six McDonalds for an ever refreshing sundae, hardly a healthy pre-game snack. Upon arrival we began adjusting our shot to the very bouncy rings which would prove to be a winning factor in the game. We started well early with a small lead that we would maintain until late into the second quarter, however with an injury to Jaimee Kennedy the bench was further depleted with only eight people playing out the rest of the game. Some scrappy offenses by both sides led to a few turnovers, the Capitals gaining the lead and momentum it seemed. Ellie Manou was difficult to stop in the key with some strong post moves and drives while Deanna Smith made some pivotal outside shots.
Unfortunately while the girls we able to narrow the gap down to five points in the remaining seconds it was not enough to steal back the win and Canberra came out victors. It was a strong first performance and we aren’t too disheartened by the loss given we did have several players away or injured and it was our first hit out as a unit. We expect more highly competitive games this weekend as we road trip down to Canberra to play the AIS and the Capitals. Stay tuned for more preseason results!
Over the last few months we have been training hard in anticipation for the fast approaching 2009/10 WNBL season. We've been beginning our week the happy way with 6:30am weights followed by an amazing breakfast at Ralph's cafe for a fortunate few who arnt in a rush to go off to uni or work. We have 4 team on court sessions during the week and were doing lots of fitness and conditioning work with Marty and Tom our trainers who we continually try to convince that a yoga class on the grass would be better than a running session... No such luck.
This weekend the whole team is travelling to Goulburn to play a practice game against Canberra. With our new talent in Natalie Porter, Michaela Dombkins, Deanna Smith, Deanne Butler, Suzy Batkovic-Brown and Ellie Manou were keen to take on last seasons premiership team and match their height and depth.
It should be a really interesting game despite a few players carrying injuries or illnesses. For instance last week at practice Molly was feeling a bit sick... her face become the colour of her hair... she seemed a little faint but she was tough and didnt want to stop practice. The next day she was in hospital having her appendix out. Her recovery is going well though and we expect her back in a matter of weeks.
In two weeks time were also travelling to Canberra to play a few other teams in a preseason tournament which should test our ability to gel together as a new team before the real competition starts in just under a months time. We still have one significant addition to make to our team before the season starts with the arrival of Suzie Batkovic-Brown moments before our opening game. She's currently in America seeing out the end of her WNBA season with the Seattle Storm.
So, with such an eventful preseaon campaign we call on our fans to be part of the action by becoming Flames members today! Come and support our new team at our first home game at the Sydney Uni Sports and Aquatic Centre on Saturday the 10th of October 2009!
