By DAVID SCHOUT
In a friendly game designed to get the Opals’ game-hardened before their two games against New
Zealand in August, the national team’s class
shone throne in a promising display.
Opals star Lauren Jackson was consigned to the sidelines as
the coaching staff continue to manage her workload.
Dandenong coach Paul Flynn remained positive after the game.
“Look, we got what we expected from a team widely
regarded as the second best in the world,” he said.
“The intensity was phenomenal…to my girls’ credit
they showed a lot of promise with their pressure.
Flynn said it was a pleasure to coach against the national
team.
“It’s early days for them in terms of preparation (for
the New Zealand
games). Experienced players like Belinda Snell did very well. Alice Kunek – who
has signed with the Rangers WNBL side – also did a good job.”
Flynn paid tribute to young guard Aimie Clydesdale, who was the Rangers’ best on the night.
The Australian Opals will face off against
the New Zealand Tall Ferns on August 14 in Auckland and August 18 in Canberra for the 2013 FIBA Oceania
Championships.
The Opals must win the two-test series to
qualify for the 2014 FIBA World Championships.
SCORES
Australian Opals 76 Dandenong Rangers SEABL 33
