Venom back on the winners’ list after upsetting Fire

THE Geelong Venom have snapped a lengthy losing streak in triumphant fashion, upsetting championship favourites Townsville on their home court on Tuesday this week.

After enduring eight straight losses, the Venom upped the intensity and got their season back on track in the convincing 88-71 victory at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

With co-captain and starter Alex Sharp pulling out of the match late due to illness, Geelong took an undersized squad into the clash against a strong Fire outfit.

But the Venom fought hard early and took a 20-point lead into the main break, thanks to classy ball movement and accurate shooting.

Their lead grew to as much as 29 points in the third quarter, despite their starting five playing the majority of the match.

Both sides tired in the final term but Geelong held onto their large lead to head back home with an inspiring win.

MVP fancy Mackenzie Holmes once again dominated, dropping 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, while Shyla Heal added 25 points.

Co-captain Jaz Shelley also flirted with a double-double, contributing 15 points and eight assists.

The win steadies the ship for the last-placed Venom after a disappointing finish to 2025, and should provide some momentum to finish strong in the last month of the regular season.

They will face Townsville again tonight (Friday, January 9) in their first home matchup since mid-December at the Geelong Arena.

Tip-off for the clash is at 5.30pm.