The Adelaide Lightning were once again buoyed by strong support, with another near-capacity crowd creating an energetic backdrop against an impressive Townsville Fire outfit. Despite the Fire arriving undermanned due to injury, the contest carried plenty of intensity and quality from the opening tip.
Adelaide showed early intent, with Sania Feagin opening the scoring from beyond the arc before captain Steph Talbot set the tone by attacking the basket and converting at the foul line. The Lightning’s physicality and pace ensured they matched Townsville through the opening exchanges.
Townsville, however, were able to draw valuable contributions from their depth. Chloe Forster made the most of her opportunity in the absence of Courtney Woods, providing an instant spark off the bench and finishing the night with 12 points to equal her WNBL career high.
With the lead ballooning to 29 points, the Lightning refused to drop their heads, remaining locked in, and responding with a determined 13–0 run. Adelaide outscored the Fire 27–16 over the final stretch, showing resilience and fight to reduce the final margin to 14 points.
While the result ultimately fell Townsville’s way, Adelaide was able to take plenty of positives from the performance, highlighted by improved offensive flow, strong leadership, and encouraging signs from the rotation — including valuable minutes and impact from Charlotte Whittaker — as the group continues to build cohesion heading into the next stretch of the season.
The Lightning will look to build on those encouraging signs on the practice floor this week before hitting the road to Perth to take on the Lynx on Saturday.
Adelaide will then return home to face the Sydney Flames on Tuesday, 13 January, with the club offering a School Holiday Boredom Buster Special — $32 family passes and $10 tickets.
Don’t miss out, book now and be part of the action!
Final Score Adelaide Lightning 69 – Townsville Fire 83
Lightning Leaders
Steph Talbot - 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals.
Dallas Loughridge - 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists.
Sania Feagin – 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.
Charlotte Whittaker – 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist.
Sharne Robati – 7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals.
