The Bendigo Spirit have defeated Townsville Fire to claim their first WNBL premiership.
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THE Bendigo Bank Spirit have defeated the Townsville Fire 71-57 to claim the 2013 WNBL premiership trophy.
The Spirit led the Townsville Fire 52-41 at the end of the third quarter with Chelsea Aubry bringing the crowd to their feet, sinking a two-point shot from the corner of the court.
Kristi Harrower, Kelsey Griffin and Gabe Richards were superb for Bendigo with Griffin named MVP of the match.
Griffin scored 20 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, while Gabe Richards added 20 points.
Kristi Harrower, probably playing in her final game, scored 11 points.
Aubry stood up for the Spirit in the second half, scoring eight of her 11 points in the final two terms.
A packed stadium soaked up the big win, with huge cheer erupting when coach Bernie Harrower and captain Kristi Harrower lifted the championship trophy.
Full coverage in tomorrow's Bendigo Advertiser plus don't miss our special souvenir edition on Tuesday.
