The undefeated Southern Design Sydney Uni Flames welcome the Logan Thunder to their home court this Friday night for what will be the continuation of one of the WNBL’s best rivalries.
These two teams have engaged in some fantastic battles in recent years and it seems every time the teams clash, there is some level of intrigue or unique highlight. Last year it was an over-time classic at home that provided one of the games of the year, while earlier this season, the Flames scorched the net with a 74 per cent first half shooting performance to claim an important win.
Both teams are deep, talented, well-coached and play with passion; ensuring this will be one of the most entertaining and high quality encounters at the Southern Design Show Court for many years.
The 7-0 Sydney Uni Flames know that their unbeaten record will mean little if they are unable to consolidate with wins in the coming weeks, starting with this crucial clash against Thunder. The Flames and Thunder match-up well against each other, with both teams blending youth and experience; interior scoring with perimeter punch and possessing players that can swing a game with individual brilliance.
Experienced Flames leaders Alicia Poto and Belinda Snell have been inspirational in recent weeks, including last week’s come from behind win in Townsville where both players logged 40 minutes in the tropical conditions. As well as scoring, the Athens Olympians have been leading the charge with their passing and overall skills and they will again be key contributors as the home team looks to maintain its unbeaten run in Sydney.
Consistent power forward Amy Denson is one of the form players in the league and was adjudged WNBL Player of the Month for October. Her clash with talented young Logan star Cayla Francis will be just one of many mouth-watering individual battles.
Logan is led by former Flame Kristen Veal and the talented playmaker continues to be the barometer against which the Thunder is measured each week. Joining her in the back court is the sweet shooting Sarah Graham and talented Illawarra junior Renae Camino, providing the Thunder with a potent and creative perimeter rotation.
With both teams having plenty of scoring avenues, defence and rebounding will be the key to this one and that is sure to be the focus of both coaches in the build-up to tip-off. The close nature of the 2011/2012 WNBL makes every game crucial and with that motivation, this is set to be one of the games of the season against two of the most talented and versatile rosters in the league.
