The Townsville Flames dream run is finally over.  After 2 unbeaten seasons comprising of a 49-game national record winning streak, the team has shown that they are human after all registering a loss to the Rockhampton Cyclones in Round 2 of the QBL. 

The Flames took the long trip down the coast to Gladstone on Saturday night and what a battle it turned into to start their weekend.  3 standing ovations, 2 overtime periods, and a hell of alot of sweat later, the Flames managed a 5pt victory over the local Power (115-110).  This game proved that the Gladstone Power have come of age, with a near 500 strong crowd eagerly fixated on the teams every move.  In an emotional finish, the Power came up slightly short in a game where both teams were very deserved winners. 

The Power put a big dint into the Flames on Saturday night, giving the Rockhampton Cyclones a chance to strike while the iron was hot.  Abby Bishop (28pts, 11rbs, 2asts, 3stls) gave an early indication that she means business in the QBL, and new US import Leah Rush (pictured above with Rockets US import Reggie Golson) muscled her way to 20pts, 10rbs, 4asts.  The Townsville Flames looked tired early and the local Cyclones ran away to an 83-60 win, with this being the biggest upset of the QBL in 2009. 

The Flames can hold their heads high though, with the team in a League of their own having just completed a never before seen winning streak in the history of State League Basketball in Australia.  Congratulations to the Flames and their 49-game winning streak!  Let's see how they bounce back from the very foreign feeling that is coming second.