Petrik glad to see Flames win without Whitcomb

THE two-time Women's SBL Champions the Rockingham Flames have the Week 5 bye and take in a five-game winning streak with coach Ryan Petrik happy his team has proven it can win without Sami Whitcomb.

The Flames might have lost their opening game of the season to the Willetton Tigers in a Grand Final rematch with Whitcomb and Darcee Garbin tied up in WNBL grand final duties as the Townsville Fire defeated the Perth Lynx.

But since then Rockingham has beaten Joondalup Wolves by a point, the East Perth Eagles by 33, the Cockburn Cougars by 54, the Kalamunda Eastern Suns by nine and the Lakeside Lightning by 16.

The last win over Lakeside on Saturday night took place without Whitcomb as well which was something Petrik was hoping to see from his team with others stepping up to ensure they still win in the absence of three-time league MVP.

The Flames had to overcome a slow start at home to the Lightning as well, but managed to lead 35-34 at the half and then assert their control in the third quarter with 27 points to 13 on the way to the 16-point victory.

Garbin enjoyed her extra responsibility to finish with 21 points and 14 rebounds with Jacinta Bourne adding 17 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots.

Tarsha Fletcher also had 10 points and six boards, Ella Kennedy nine points and six rebounds, and Ashlee Sidebottom eight points and five boards.

The Flames now sit on a 5-1 record for the season just behind the unbeaten Tigers and Hawks with a bye this weekend ahead of a clash at Mike Barnett Sports Complex on Sunday April 24 against their co-tenants for the season, the Mandurah Magic.

Looking back on the win over the Lightning, Petrik was delighted with the performance of his team with Whitcomb not available and Ifunanya Ibekwe still yet to appear this season.

"It was a win we really had to get without Sami and Ify playing. Everyone knows Sam's the best in the league, we just needed to know we were still able to win without her," Petrik said.

"Jacinta was huge, literally flying in from Kalgoorlie for the game. And I am really impressed with Darcee's improvement after going against Batkovic and George for nine months in the WNBL. And Ella Kennedy continues to fit in perfectly."

Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Mick Cronin




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