IT WAS business as usual for Sydney Flames who returned from Geelong with an eight-point victory over the Venom to kick off their WNBL 2025/26 season in style. The night was about about the newly named Venom – who opted to change from Geelong United – and while they kept in touch with a second half comeback, were battling uphill after a disappointing second term.

Geelong Venom (77) def. by Sydney Flames (85)

The far more experienced Sydney Flames outfit flexed its muscles early, and after getting on top by four points at quarter time, put the foot down during the second to race away to a 48-30 lead at half-time. That advantage was built off the back of a remarkable 22-8 second stanza, where the Venom could not crack anything from the perimeter, and all of their makes came in the key.

While Sydney also did the bulk of its best work during the second period close to the basket, a pair of triples help stretch out the margin to an unassailable lead. The third term was an entertaining one with Geelong able to get a few more looks – three triples – as was Sydney from long-range, but had greater opposition defence from the mid-range and closer to the rim.

The Venom had cut the deficit back to 12 points with a quarter to play, but it was always going to be tough from there. Geelong reduced the final margin down to a respectable eight points, though while on paper it looks like a tight game, Sydney had the match on its terms for the bulk of the contest.

Lauren Nicholson produced massive headaches for the Venom from long-range, shooting five of 10 from beyond the arc as part of a brilliant performance. She finished with 27 points in 33 minutes, and picked up three assists and two steals as well.

Nicholson was well supported by Keely Froling who, though inaccurate with three of 10 from the field, still finished with 15 points, making all eight shots from the line, and racking up a double-double with 12 rebounds, and also seven assists. Lara McSpadden (10 points, eight rebounds and three assists) and recruit Unique Thompson (15 points, three rebounds) both had strong games.

For the Venom, Mackenzie Holmes recorded a team-high 20 points as part of a double-double with 11 rebounds to do all she could in defeat. Alex Sharp (14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals) and Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard (11 points, five rebounds and two assists) were also busy for the home side.

Geelong remains at home for Round 2 when it tackles Adelaide Lightning on October 25 before heading to Bendigo three days later to face the Spirit. Sydney flames host Southside Flyers on Friday night, prior to a Sunday road trip to Perth to meet with the Lynx.