After a year’s absence, the Sturt Sabres have reclaimed the Central ABL women’s title, defeating the North Adelaide Rockets 72-57.

In a similar scenario to her WNBL season, Renae Camino saved her best CABL game for the game that matters most, finishing with 27 points including a 17 point first half.

It was North co-captain Jenah Piwanski who started things rolling for North, hitting a three pointer in the firs t minute. Hannah Bowley answered with two baskets, but it was 7 points from Camino that helped Sturt to a 3 point lead at quarter time.

A three pointer from Monique Bowley triggered a 9-0 run from Sturt, and North coach Mike McKay was forced to call a time out to regroup. A Jo Hill basket stopped the streak, but Camino continued to light it up, finishing with 10 points for the quarter. The lead blew out to 17, before Hill scored again, Tania Dhu hit a patented long three, and a layup from Laurent Mansfield sent North into the half-time break within 11.

North fought gallantly in the third. Despite giving up inches to the tall Bowley frontline, the Rockets managed to get the ball inside the key. Jamie-Lee Peris, Hill and Piwanski all scored around the basket, and down 10 at ¾ time, North were still in with a chance.

It took almost two minutes for the next basket, and when Jo Hill reduced the lead to single digits, the Rocket fans erupted. An 8 point margin was as close as it got, however, Sturt icing the game from the foul line after a huge three pointer from Jasmin Wong put the result beyond doubt.

Camino’s 27 included 6 of 6 free throws in the final quarter, but her MVP performance was for an explosive second term that blew the game open. For North, Peris and Hill kept hem in the hunt, 15 and 13 points respectively.