The Canberra Capitals celebrated Kelly Wilson's birthday early with a New Year's Eve victory that moved them to the top of the WNBL ladder.
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Wilson is set to become the first WNBL player to play in 400 games, and rang in her birthday early with the Canberra Capitals' 76-52 win over Townsville Fire on Friday night at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.
The guard had a big 24 hours, breaking her own appearance record once more, partaking in her side's third win from four games, bringing in 2022 and celebrating her 37th birthday on New Year's Day.
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Wilson has held the appearance record since January 2020, after she surpassed Jess Bibby's record of 394 WNBL games two seasons ago, amassing a total of 395 appearances before sitting out the 2020 north Queensland hub campaign for the birth of her son Teddy.
She scored five points in the game and recorded four assists.
Forward Kelsey Griffin ensured Wilson marked her early birthday with a fairytale win with a game-high 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Mikaela Ruef chipped in with 13 points and eight rebounds.
The Capitals now turn their attention to their grudge match against Sydney Uni Flames in Canberra on Wednesday.
It will be the first time the sides have met since it was revealed head coach Paul Goriss had accepted confidential footage of the Flames' scrimmage session from veteran referee Simon Cosier ahead of their round one meeting.
Goriss will not be on the sidelines for the match, as he serves the remainder of his five-game suspension until January 20.
WNBL 2021-22 season
Canberra Capitals season:
- Game 1: Beat Sydney Uni Flames 58-55
- Game 2: Lost to Adelaide Lightning 88-62
- Game 3: Beat Bendigo Spirit 100-88
- Game 4: Beat Townsville Fire 76-52
Editor's note: A previous story claimed she had reached her historic 400th game in Townsville, however, this is set to be reached against the Sydney Uni Flames.
Isobel Cootes
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
