GRILL’D POST-GAME REPORT ROUND 10
Despite the loss of both imports, in Tiffany Mitchell and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers have defeated the UC Canberra Capitals comfortably by 21 points in Traralgon at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium.
Kristy Wallace set the tone early with her trademark energy and aggression, but it was clear from the outset that today was to be the day of Cayla George, who had 11 points in the first quarter as the Boomers got out to an early lead. The Capitals continued to drive the ball and stay aggressive, but contributions from Miela Goodchild and Mia Murray combined with George’s hot form and led to a 14-point Boomers lead at the end of the first.
Gippsland local Jade Melbourne tried to keep the Capitals in it in what was her homecoming game, as did young talent Shaneice Swain. The visitors chipped away and wrestled back momentum to only be down by six with a minute to go in the half. Lou Brown, returning from injury, made some impressive connections with George, who was on fire with 22 points and 10 rebounds going into half time, and it was the Boomers who held the lead at the main break – 42-34.
Penina Davidson gave quality minutes early in the third, as did Goodchild, however it was clear that Canberra was ready to make a run. Star import, Rae Burrell, attempting to single-handedly keep the Capitals in the game, and her effort helped bring the lead down to six. George had other ideas and continued to be lights-out as the Boomers won the quarter 24-12 and headed into three-quarter time with a commanding twenty-point lead.
With all momentum belonging to the Boomers, young guns Sophie and Paige Burrows saw extended minutes and performed admirably in the fourth. All eyes, however, were on George and her ever-growing stat line, but a record-breaking night was not to be as she fouled out midway through the fourth and headed to the bench to be greeted by daughter, Pearl. The Boomers bench kept the pressure on as the starters sat for the majority of the quarter, and the home team eventually walked away with a win, 78-57.
George finished with 37 points, 17 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Wallace was solid yet again with 14, 9 and 4, and Davidson contributed with a handy 8 points and 9 rebounds.
The Boomers sit on top of the WNBL ladder with an 11-2 record and a two-game buffer between the second-place Southside Flyers. The team returns home to Parkville for a three-game homestand, beginning next Sunday, January 22 against the Bendigo Spirt. Tickets are available at ticketek.com.au.