No Giants step for the Flames

The Rockingham Flames’ winless run was extended to 13 matches following a heavy defeat against the Goldfields Giants in last weekend’s State Basketball League fixture.

The competition’s longest and arguably toughest road trip proved exactly that for Rockingham, who trailed at every change in a 47-point loss, 113-66.

The writing was on the wall for the Flames early as the Kalgoorlie-Boulder side led 38-11 at quarter-time.

It was a similar story in the second term with the Giants leading the rebound count 13 to 29 at half-time.

Down by 48 points with a quarter to play, the Flames showed resilience to take the final term 23-22.

In the end, Rockingham did not have the firepower going forward with Percell Coles (15 points) and Jake Amos the only players to emerge with double-figure contributions.

In contrast, the home side had six players with over 10 points, led by William Radcliffe (18). Things don’t get any easier for the young Flames this weekend against fourth-placed Mandurah (home) and six-placed Perth (away).

Perhaps the side’s best opportunity to break its winless streak may come the following week with a trip Bunbury to face the South-West Slammers.

The 13th-placed Slammers are without a win in their past 11 matches.

Meanwhile, Rockingham’s women’s side will be looking to extend their winning streak this weekend against Mandurah and Perth.

The Flames are unbeaten in their last eight outings and will be heavily favoured to claim a ninth consecutive win against bottom side Mandurah at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex on Friday.

They face a tougher assignment away to fifth-placed Perth on Saturday.

Rockingham had the benefit of a bye last weekend.