Townsville Fire Overpower Geelong Venom to Close Road Trip with Strong Win

The Townsville Fire ended their long road swing in emphatic fashion, dismantling the Geelong Venom 86–61 on Friday night to stay clear at the top of the WNBL26 ladder.

The matchup marked the 400th game for Venom coach Chris Lucas, who won two championships with Townsville, but his milestone night was spoiled by a Fire side that controlled the contest from the outset.

Townsville surged to a 22-point lead in the second quarter and appeared ready to run away with it, before Geelong mounted a spirited comeback. A third-quarter push trimmed the margin to just three points as Mackenzie Holmes powered the surge with 24 points and eight rebounds.

But with the game tightening, Miela Sowah stepped up and steadied the Fire, finishing with 20 points and delivering the big shots that shut down Geelong’s momentum.

Alicia Froling added 11 points and 13 rebounds in a strong two-way outing, while Lucy Olsen produced 13 points as Townsville closed their five-game road stretch with a fourth win.

Townsville’s defensive edge proved critical, forcing the Venom into tough shots and keeping their perimeter attack quiet. Geelong shot just 4-of-23 from three and missed 22 attempts inside the arc.

Venom coach Lucas admitted execution and inaccuracy remained ongoing issues as his side slipped to 1-4 on the season. Geelong were also shorthanded, missing Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard, Alissa Pili and Shyla Heal through illness and injury.

Townsville led 45–27 at half-time after a dominant defensive display, with Lauren Cox and Abbey Ellis helping widen the gap. Geelong’s best run came early in the third when Holmes and Alex Sharp found rhythm, but the Fire’s composure and outside shooting halted any chance of an upset.

Townsville returns home well placed atop the table, while Geelong, now on a three-game slide, will look to regroup as their injury challenges continue.

Final score: Geelong Venom 61 defeated by Townsville Fire 86.