Sydney Uni Flames wary of Townsville Fire at home in semi-final series opener

TOWNSVILLE’S recent record against Sydney is one of the worst in the entire league but Flames captain Belinda Snell has nothing but respect for the team Sydney meets in the semi-final series.

Battles between Townsville Fire and the Sydney Uni Flames are traditionally close affairs. .

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TOWNSVILLE’S recent record against Sydney is one of the worst in the entire league but Flames captain Belinda Snell has nothing but respect for the team her club must topple this week to keep alive hopes of a WNBL defence.

Fire have beaten Sydney just twice in their last nine outings but Snell said this statistic is both misleading and irrelevant.

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“Those records are in the past. They are a very, very good team and it will be tough up there,’’ Snell said.

Battles between Townsville Fire and the Sydney Uni Flames are traditionally close affairs.

“They also have really fantastic supporters, very passionate and it is loud and close. Everyone knows it is hard to beat Townsville at home.’’

The Flames last season bettered Townsville 2-0 in their semi series to set up their grand-final match-up against Dandenong,

This year the Flames finished second on the ladder behind Perth to gain the home court advantage if the semi-final series goes to three games.

Snell said key to the Flames’ success in Townsville is to come out hard and fast from the opening whistle.

Suzy Batkovic, right, and Jen Hamson will be key players for their teams.

“We need to make sure we get a good start. Our last few weeks have been all right and we have really lifted the defensive intensity,’’ Snell said.

“They have a lot of depth and a lot of experienced players so we need to be on our game.’’

The second game of the semi series will be played at Brydens Stadium in Sydney on Saturday. If a third is requires, it will also be played in Sydney on Monday.

Perth and the Melbourne Boomers will play in the other semi-final.