George Leads Flyers Past Flames in Fiery Sydney Clash

Cayla George found her rhythm again, steering the Southside Melbourne Flyers to their first win of the WNBL26 season with a gritty 81–76 victory over the Sydney Flames at Quaycentre on Friday night.

The 36-year-old captain bounced back in commanding style after a quiet Round 1 outing, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Her leadership and energy anchored the Flyers as they battled through a physical and often chaotic contest to secure their opening win of the year.

“It was a really tough win,” George said post-game. “We had what I like to call a ‘wrestle-ball’ training week — very physical — but it put us in good stead. I’m just really stoked for the girls. The physicality was healthy, and we handled it.”

After falling behind early, Southside clawed back control by winning each of the final three quarters. Haley Peters was strong on both ends with 13 points and four steals, while Haylee Andrews contributed seven assists and helped settle the Flyers’ offence down the stretch.

Sydney, fresh from their opening-round win over Geelong, started brightly with a 14–0 burst built on defensive intensity. But once George found her touch, the Flyers hit back, closing the first half level at 43-all before grinding their way to a narrow lead heading into the final term.

Lauren Nicholson led the Flames with 17 points, while Agnes Emma-Nnopu impressed with 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks. New signing Olivia Epoupa, who joined the squad just 24 hours before tip-off, showed flashes of her trademark speed but struggled to find rhythm in limited minutes.

“Olivia’s only had one or two sessions with us,” Flames coach Guy Molloy said. “She hasn’t played for a month, and it’s hard adjusting to a new system that quickly. We defended and rebounded well enough, but we just didn’t make enough shots to capitalise.”

The Flames had 17 more field-goal attempts but couldn’t convert when it mattered, while George and Peters’ late composure ensured the Flyers escaped with their first win — and maintained the away teams’ perfect record to start the season.

Both teams now sit at 1–1, with the Flyers returning home next round and the Flames looking to regroup after a promising but wasteful night.

Final score: Southside Melbourne Flyers 81 defeated Sydney Flames 76.