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Sydney Flames lose competition lead after loss to Perth Lynx

THE late loss of captain Belinda Snell to a hamstring injury proved costly for the Sydney Flames who have conceded their competition lead in the WNBL after losing to the Lynx.

Flames Belinda Snell (R) was a late scratching from the game. Picture: Jenny Evans
Flames Belinda Snell (R) was a late scratching from the game. Picture: Jenny Evans

THE late loss of captain Belinda Snell to a hamstring injury proved costly for the Sydney Flames who have conceded their competition lead in the WNBL with Sunday’s 71-83 loss to Perth Lynx.

Coach Cheryl Chambers admitted Snell’s absence threw out the rhythm of the Flames.

“Snelly was a late withdrawal and I don’t think we adjusted offensively to the loss,” Chambers said.

Flames Belinda Snell (R) was a late scratching from the game. Picture: Jenny Evans
Flames Belinda Snell (R) was a late scratching from the game. Picture: Jenny Evans

“Perth played really well, we can’t take away from that. They are very good at home.

“But we had our opportunities.”

While the score went against them, import Asia Taylor was a match standout.

“She was just superb,” Chambers said of the American who scored 31 points, nine rebounds and one assist.

While the Flames lost, arch rivals, the Melbourne Boomers, stretched their winning record to four straight wins with a 30 point victory over Canberra on the weekend.

Cambage, who scored a season high 44 last round, produced 32 points in the 96-66 hammering of the Capitals.

Liz Cambage is in hot form. Picture: Jeremy Piper
Liz Cambage is in hot form. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Former league leaders Adelaide were beaten 101-78 by Townsville Fire in their match.

In round eight the Flames will hit the road again to determine the series between them and the Boomers.

The Flames won their first match-up this season with the Boomers then retaliated to level the score heading into Sunday’s game.

It is a two-game round for Melbourne who travel to a Townsville on Thursday to face the Suzy Batkovic lead Fire in what is expected to be the match of the weekend.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/swoop/sydney-flames-lose-competition-lead-after-loss-to-perth-lynx/news-story/545d9773b402d1754d79f641fabff737