Rockingham Flames women down the Eastern Suns with ninth win

Rockingham Flames women have downed the Kalamunda Eastern Suns with their ninth straight win at Ray Owen Sports Centre on Saturday. Former Suns coach Tom Knowles returned to his old home floor for the first time since taking over as head coach of the Flames for the 2023 NBL1 West season. The Suns opened the first quarter to lead by seven, the Flames quickly contested this to end 28-14 by quarter-time. Flames added another 24 points to 16 in the second quarter going on to lead 52-30 at the main break. The Flames continued to lead the way in the second half, before securing the eventual 83-63 point win. Rockingham Flames have now secured a top four spot to improve to a 9-3 win-loss record. The Eastern Suns have lost their past eight matches and are slipping further from play-off contention with a 3-9 record. Mehryn Kraker top-scored once more for Rockingham with 18 points, eight assists and three rebounds while hitting 5/10 from three-point range. Lisa Koop added 17 points and seven rebounds and Casey Samuels 13 points, four boards, two assists and two steals. Kalamunda’s Natalie Chou top-scored with 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals with Ella Thornton-Elliott adding 11 points and seven boards, and Eryn Fisher 10 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Rockingham Flames will take on the Willeton Tigers on June 16, 6.30pm at Mike Barnett Sports Complex and the Joondalup Wolves on June 17, 5pm at HBF Arena Joondalup.