Amoore’s late steal helps Lynx win Grand Final re-match

Georgia Amoore delivered a crucial late steal as Perth Lynx claimed an 86-83 win over reigning champions Townsville Fire.

Amoore and Teonni Key combined for Perth’s opening basket 10 seconds into the game, helping the Lynx race to an 11-2 lead. Townsville responded with a 10-0 run in the second quarter to take a 51-45 half-time lead.

Foul trouble forced Perth coach Ryan Petrik to turn to his bench, with Chloe Hodges and Sam Ashby helping claw back the deficit and restore the Lynx’s lead by three-quarter-time.

The final period was a tense, back-and-forth contest, with neither side able to build a lead beyond a single possession. Haley Peters put Perth ahead with 31 seconds remaining before Amoore’s late steal and free throw helped secure the win.

Amoore finished with 13 points and seven assists, while Steph Gorman scored 15 points after making five three-pointers. Key added 15 points and three blocks.

“To guts it out like that and pinch it in the end was really pleasing,” Petrik said.

Townsville’s Marie Gülich led all scorers with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Courtney Woods had 20 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

Key said Perth had been together for only a week but was encouraged by the early signs.

“I’m just really glad to be a part of this team and play with these players,” she said.

“It’s going to be a really, really fun season.”

The Lynx are set to be strengthened by the return of former WNBL MVP Anneli Maley, who is expected back in Perth mid-next week.