Flames snap losing streak

their games against Brisbane Capitals.

BY VELMA GARA

Townsville Flames snapped their losing streak with a convincing win over the Salties, 86-59, in Round 10 of the NBL1 North competition last Saturday night.

It was Darwin’s first loss at home.

Flames guard Indiah Bowyer (pictured right) had 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals whilst teammate and Opals guard, Steph Reid, was very influential with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists.

Darwin Salties men’s team got the win against Townsville Heat, 102-84. Guard Deba George had a quiet night, only scoring 8 points and two 3-pointers and for the visitors, Michael Cedar made three 3-pointers for 10 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists.

Salties first quarter set the tone for the men’s game with 36 points scored.

Home team shot 16 from 43 three-pointers for the game.

In other fixtures, TJ Diop’s Gold Coast Rollers won both of their games against Northside Wizards (90-77) and Rip City (120-97).

South West Metro Pirates wasn’t successful with both women and men’s teams losing

The women’s final score was 86-72 and the men had a bigger margin loss, 123-75. Pirates guard, Chris Cedar, fought hard off the bench with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

This weekend’s Round 11 games will see Sunshine Coast Phoenix travel north to play Townsville tomorrow night and Cairns on Saturday night.

Darwin Salties will have a hectic road trip – Gold Coast (tomorrow), South West Metro (Saturday) and North Gold Coast (Sunday).

At the time of printing the top four teams on the NBL One North ladder, with win-loss records were:

Mens

1. Logan Thunder 12-1

2. Gold Coast Rollers 11-2

3. Ipswich Force 8-3

4. Darwin Salties 8-3 Womens

1. Northside Wizards 11-0

The Torres News has the men’s teams as: Surumau Gladiators (Warraber), Wakaid Warriors and Argun Warriors (Badu), Pioneer Knights (Waiben), Apudthama Brothers (NPA), Magun Warriors (Iama), Paga Panthers (Boigu), Goemu Raiders (Mabuiag) and Roxin Eagles (Dauan).

Organised by Dhadhin Geai Dhadhin Geai Warriors, the best footballers from around the Torres Strait will line up for various teams and, we hear, some big names from down south may also make the journey.

The most recent winners, NPA’s Apudthama Brothers, will be back to defend their title.

We also understand champion back Aaron

Binawel (pictured) and his brother James will be in Roxin Eagles colours, along with sons of coach and former hard hitting forward Wrench Mau.

Wakad Warriors will be boosted by the services of potential match winner Raymond Baira.

Quality player Windsor Bowie will lead the charge for the NPA side whilst the highly skilled Kepa brothers look set to be with Magun Warriors.

Paga Panthers will be strong with numerous boys from Boigu in their ranks.

Under the guidance of Masi Nona, Argun Warriors will also field a formidable unit and hope to repeat the effort of 2011 when they beat Saguci in the final.

Surumau Gladiators will be in their 10th year since they were formed, with organiser Cr Kabay Tamu.

He said the carnival will be entertaining and sure to produce some great action.

“We have been training since late February and early March and will have 17 boys from Warraber,” he said.

“Teams are allowed a squad of 30 but only 25 can play in each game and it will be unlimited interchange.”

Front rower Cr Tamu will line up for the Gladiatiors and his teammates will be expecting him to make plenty of metres up the centre of the ruck.

“This will be my 14th year of Island of Origin football,” he said.

The women’s teams ready to compete were Pioneer Dames and Jillaroos with several others expected to take the field.

Big crowds were expected to converge of the Joe Mairu Memorial Oval to cheer their sides on.

The popular fastest man and woman in the Torres Strait sprint will also be held.

The carnival started in the 1980s and has always been a great success.