Match Report: Lightning win after late surge

21/OCT/2007 – In an exhilarating first home game for the season, the Nature's Blend Bulleen Boomers came out hungry for victory as they took on the Adelaide Lightning at the Veneto Club Basketball Stadium on Saturday night.

After a pre-game carnival of frenetic activities and fairy floss, adults and kids alike turned out in their best blue and gold and with new cheerleaders the 'Bouncing Boomers' in tow, to raise the roof off the stadium with their huge cheering capacity to spur on their beloved Boomers.

It was the first time the home crowd was able see new recruit Opal, Emma Randall in action and she was never going to disappoint playing a very strong tall game, finishing with 21 points while dominating the board working with the other talls, Eylse Penaluna and Anna Crosswhite to box out Adelaide's height.

Both teams came out strong eager to hit the long shots it was a goal for goal game with teams shooting well in a solid first quarter, seeing the scores to be 18-31 in favor of Bulleen.

In the second quarter Bulleen uplifted with strong defense especially through Kylie Jordon but couldn't convert their shots giving Adelaide the chance to claw back.

Continuing in a more composed game in the third quarter, there were seemingly less turnovers from both teams which proved to be costly, as Adelaide's Jessica Foley ending up the top scorer for the quarter on 19 points.

A terrific last quarter saw Adelaide and Bulleen both fighting it out with every opportunity being vital. A close game brought out the best of all players in a high intensity and physical quarter, there was plenty of easy misses in the beginning but that came to change after the first two minutes.

Adelaide proved to be just too strong under the pressure with Bulleen giving away numerous unwanted fouls, seeing both Kylie Jordon and Desiree Glaubitz, the top scorer for the game with 27, on the side lines along with Sharin Milner who is recovering from an ankle injury.

The final score ending up being 87-94 with Adelaide taking the win in a gripping last 2 minutes with the crowd showing the referee's their presence and really elevating the atmosphere.

Bulleen's Head Coach Cheryl Chambers was philosophical about the outcome.

"We just lacked the experience we needed down the stretch. I have no doubt we will learn from this and be better players and team. First time players Cann, Penaluna and Parker all made great contributions and now we are looking ahead"

In a back to back double at home this week Bulleen take on the Christchurch Sirens on Friday at 8pm (ABC televised game) and the AIS on Saturday at 7.30pm.

By Bulleen Boomers Media