Your Ballarat Rush triumphed over the Brisbane Lady Spartans 88 – 62. Abby Wehrung starred with 23 points, Joy Burke was phenomenal with 16 points, 16 rebounds and Kristy Rinaldi finished with 13 points and 9 boards.
The first term saw the Rush maintain a decent lead over the Brisbane Lady Spartans. Offences were flowing for Ballarat with effective scoring from beyond the arc. The returning Kerryn Harrington easily notched 10 points.
Burke increased the team’s defensive pressure in the second quarter, and Rush took the lead on the rebound count. The Rush increased their scoring efficiency shooting 57% from the field during the term and Wehrung ended the first half on 15 points.
The third quarter saw Brisbane get into foul trouble early and the Ballarat Rush were able to take advantage, ending the term with a 17 point lead, 65 – 48. Abby Wehrung sustained what appeared to be a lower back injury, however was able to return to the court shortly after.
The final period really showed Ballarat’s depth, with Kasey Burton grabbing 10 points, Kristy Rinaldi taking 9 rebounds with her 13 points and Kerryn Harrington with 6 assists. The Ballarat Rush took the win at home comfortably 88 – 62.
Head Coach Dave Flint was very pleased with how the Rush played together against Brisbane. He noted that they won every quarter, had 5 players score 10 or more points and shot the ball at 50.8%.
The Rush can now see what Joy Burke brings to the team and how well Joy can create space for the other players. Flint is happy with how all players are working together, and while he thinks that Burke gives the opposition a headache trying to shut her down, that then creates room for the Rush guards to get open shots.
Flint was full of praise for Abby Wehrung, and was satisfied that he could get Kerryn Harrington back on the court, and be able to play with a full strength side. He touched on Kristy Rinaldi’s smarts on the court, and how her ability to read the play and be in the right position is so beneficial to the team. Dave Flint said he couldn’t ask for much more from his team.
Your Ballarat Rush return to the Minerdome to take on Launceston next Saturday, May 7 at 8pm.