Geraldton Buccaneers extinguish Rockingham Flames in SBL season opener

An undermanned Rockingham Flames men’s team lost their opening State Basketball League game of the season, falling 86-70 to the Geraldton Buccaneers last Saturday night.

The Flames made the long trip to Activewest Stadium without Greg Hire and injured duo Brad Robbins and Callum Beard, and despite keeping pace with the full-strength Buccs for most of the contest, they could not overhaul them.

Returning US import Josh Ritchart stood out with 15 points and eight rebounds, while captain Ryan Godfrey added 13 points and eight assists, Caleb White had 13 points and Chudier Pal pulled down 14 rebounds.

For the Buccs, young New Zealand small forward Brayden Inger led all scorers with 26 points and added 12 rebounds, and teammates Liam Hunt and Aaron Ralph helped themselves to double-doubles in scoring and rebounds.

The Flames play their first home game on Friday night against Perry Lakes. The women tip off at Mike Barnett Sports Complex at 6.30pm, with the men at 8.30pm.