The exciting new partnership between the Dentistry Plus Cockburn Cougars and Sinclair McDonalds Rockingham Flams will begins this Friday, April 16 with a big crowd full of the Cougar Family expected to pack Wall Hagan Stadium to watch the era of NBL1 begin.
WSBL
Tip-off: 6.30pm
Last Five Match-ups:
Flames 84 – Cougars 68
Flames 86 – Cougars 67
Cougars 62 – Flames 105
Flames 74 – Cougars 60
Cougars 51 – Flames 92
Last Match (2020 West Coast Classic Round 1): Flames 84 (Paris Duffield 20, Ariana Hetherington 13, Christina Boag 12) vs. Cougars 68 (Haylee De Sousa 13, Jodee Sontay 12, Kahlia Morgan 9)
The Inaugural ‘Wave Cup’ is a huge game for the Dentistry Plus Cougar ladies to get the season off to a bright start against the 2019 SBL championship winners the Sinclair McDonalds Rockingham Flames. The Cougars will be looking for a successful result to reverse their recent record of five consecutive losses to the Flames, and are well placed to do so with the new players keen to impress in their first game for the club, against a Flames side not at full strength. This game will be a great opportunity to send a message to the competition and make Wally Hagan into a formidable home advantage as a tough place for rivals to play.
Key Matchup:
Jessie Edwards vs Zoe Richards
The Perth Lynx star Edwards will look to show out in her first official game for the Cougars, against International recruit Zoe Richards who could have a big game in the opening match. If Jessie Edwards dominates that will be important to the outcome of this match.
MSBL
Tip-off: 8.30pm
Last 5 matches
Flames 83 – Cougars 74
Flames 94 – Cougars 70
Cougars 90 – Flames 120
Flames 87 – Cougars 82
Cougars 77 – Flames 75
Last Match (2020 West Coast Classic Round 1): Flames 83 (Jackson Hussey 25, Callum Beard 19, Justin Beard 15) vs Cougars 74 (Seva Chan 16, Luke Travers 15, Gavin Field 11)
The Cougars men come into the opening NBL1 game ready to get the season of to a good start at home, after some impressive pre-season efforts. This game will see them come up against experienced opponents in Greg Hire and Ryan Godfrey, as the Cougars look to get lots of production from their young guns. With injuries to key personnel, they will need the young bodies to have an influence on the game, and provide support for Gavin Field and Nic Pozoglou as they look to get busy of the offensive end against an experienced Flames line -up.
Key Matchup
Gavin Field vs. Greg Hire
This matchup could well go to deciding the outcome of the game with both critical players to the tempo of their respective outfits. If Gavin Field gets the upper hand out of this pair, it will go a long way to the success of the Cougars.
Watch the game live HERE
