Shari Wakefield
The newly-formed ACUVUE Sydney Uni Flames have returned from a very successful pre-season road trip which included two wins over reigning premiers, the Canberra Capitals.
The Flames defeated the Canberra Capitals 80-70 on Friday night, the AIS 77-49 on Saturday morning, and the Canberra Capitals 83-81 on Saturday night.
New recruits Nat Porter (23) and Deanna Smith (15) top scored in their game against the Canberra Capitals on Saturday night.
The Flames will play their first home game at Sydney University Sports and Aquatic Centre on Saturday, October 10, re-igniting Sydney’s passion for basketball.
With big names such as Suzy Batkovic-Brown, Nat Porter, Eva Afeaki, and Deanna Smith, the Flames will be sure to produce a high skilled game, full of flair and finesse.
Dual Olympian Batkovic-Brown was a shock late inclusion on the Flames roster for the 2009-10 Women’s National Basketball League season.
Batkovic-Brown, a team-mate of Lauren Jackson at the Seattle Storm, is keen to return home after a lengthy spell in the WNBA in the US and Euroleague.
And Flames coach Karen Dalton and Operations Manager Trish Fallon couldn’t be happier.
“A player who’s played at the level Suzy has for that long is always going to be a phenomenal asset to any team, not only on match day but also at training and in the change room,” coach Dalton said. “It’s a senior role that Suzy is really looking forward too.”
With the demise of the men’s national basketball competition, it’s clear to see that there will be basketball fans looking for an alternative outlet this season – and the Flames are sure to provide the entertainment factor!
Flames membership packages are now on offer – check out their website for more details www.sydneyuniflames.com.au
