Rebuilding Fortress Slammer

The resurgent Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers are on their way to restoring Bunbury’s reputation as a feared SBL destination, according to centre Clive Weeden.

The Slammers extended their unbeaten run at the Eaton Recreation Centre to four last week with a fighting five-point victory over Lakeside.

Weeden said players wanted to re-establish their home court’s standing as a fortress — a tag the club has not held since the 1990s when it played in six grand finals.

The South West team will host Rockingham on Saturday night.

“Back in the glory days people feared coming to Bunbury,” Weeden said.

“We’re not quite there yet but we’re on our way and that’s what we’re working towards.”

Before shocking the previously unbeaten Lightning, the Slammers had defeated Geraldton (10th), Mandurah (seventh) and Cockburn (13th).

Weeden said the South West roster had answered their critics with the result.

“I think people were taking our wins with a grain of salt,” he said.

“Having a win like this on the record is going to look good any way you put it.”

The Slammers will face an inform Flames line-up bubbling with confidence after back-to-back victories last weekend.

Rockingham imports Cooper Land and Steven Bennett have been prolific scorers this season, averaging 29 and 23 points per game respectively.

The Slammers have a 4-4 win loss record and sit in eighth position.

They have played six of the seven teams above them but only two of the six below.

Slammers’ playing coach Ty Harrelson said continuing the hot home form was integral to his roster’s play-offs aspirations.

“Holding the home court has been our advantage as we haven’t won on the road yet,” he said.

“If we can get up over Rockingham it’s very important for the rest of our season.

“The reality for us is we have played most of the top teams already.

“The rest are around us or just below us. We need to keep winning basketball games and separate ourselves from the pack.

The injury-hit South West Slammers women’s roster will attack Saturday’s WSBL grand final rematch against the Flames full of confident after two gutsy victories last weekend.

The Slammers moved into fifth on the ladder after downing Lakeside 63-53 last Friday night and the previously unbeaten Wanneroo Wolves 73-64 on Saturday evening.