YOU cannot stop good offence. Saturday night saw the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) hold its first match in the 2021/22 Grand Final series, with the Perth Lynx heading down to take on the Melbourne Boomers at Melbourne Sports Centre – Parkville. It was a tough contest to predict heading in, as both sides have displayed excellent form throughout the season. The Lynx got to the big dance in controversial fashion, but they made the most of it On Saturday, producing a blistering performance on the offensive end to claim a 27-point win and take a 1-0 lead in the series, with just one more victory required for the championship.

Melbourne Boomers (71) def. by Perth Lynx (98)

Perth has started the grand final series in the best way possible, claiming a dominant win and taking an early lead on their quest for the WNBL title. It was a win set up by a powerful first half of play from the visiting side, as they put the game away by the time the main break rolled around. The result was massive in the context of the seires, with Perth only requiring one more triumph to emerge winners for the season.

The Lynx got off to a flying start, outscoring their opponents by nine in the first term and gaining control of the contest early on. Their form somehow improved in the second quarter, with a 33-14 term seeing the lead balloon out to 28 in the first half. The Boomers could not keep up, and while they managed to deliver a much more competitive performance in the second half, the damage was already done by half time. It was a powerful showing from the Lynx, who sent a big message with their effort here, and if Melbourne wish to turn things around next game, then they will need to lift their defensive work as they nearly conceded 100 points in game one.

For the victors, it was the trio of Darcee Garbin, Jackie Young and Marina Mabrey that ended up doing the most damage. They combined for 66 points, with each player producing at least 20 points. The offence for the Lynx was flagged as a crucial part of the game coming in and these three delivered in a big way. For the Boomers, guard Tiffany Mitchell fought bravely and tried to get her side back in the contest with 17 points, but she did not have enough help in getting the offence rolling.