Opals win William Jones Cup
19/07/2007
The Australian Opals surged from behind to take out the 29th William Jones Cup, downing Chinese Taipei 74-44 on Tuesday night.
The home team took the early lead 12-2 in the opening four minutes, before the undefeated Opals took charge to only trail by two points at the first change.
Then, there was no stopping them. As has been the story all week, the third quarter belonged to the Opals, with Victorian Sam Richards (five assists, two steals) producing her best game of the tour to spark the Australian revival.
For Hollie Grima, victory was twice as sweet, adding the tournament's most valuable player to her championship win.
Opals mentor, Jan Stirling paid tribute to the home team and also the efforts of her group in winning six games in just seven days.
"We knew coming in Chinese Taipei had veteran leaders and offensive punch and it was the sort of battle we expected," she said.
"Credit to our group, to play six games and continue to stay with the process and play at the level we have is a terrific achievement and we are certainly happy to claim the William Jones Cup for our nation."
The Opals now travel to China for a three game series, before flying back into Sydney on July 25.