Slammers put on notice

Coach Greg Worthington says how the Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers fight out the remainder of this season will be the best measure of their improvement in 2012.

The Slammers, who failed to win a game last year, have tasted victory on three occasions this season but have had their chances to at least double that number.

With nine fixtures remaining in 2012, Worthington revealed he was disappointed with the season so far and challenged his side to start converting their opportunities, starting with East Perth this Saturday night.

‘‘(Before round one) I set myself to win six games or more, if it was possible,’’ Worthington said.

‘‘We’ve certainly been in there with chances to end up with those types of figures. But it’s the back end of the season that we’ve got to show a bit of grit and get over the line a few times.

‘‘Yes, if we end up with six wins we could say things have been reasonably successful from where the club came from but overall I’m still disappointed with where we are, even though we’ve chalked up three wins — more than we’ve had in the last couple of years.’’

In round two the Slammers surprised East Perth with an 11-point win.

But the make up of the Eagles’ squad has changed significantly since then.

Veteran point-guard Joe-Alan Tupaea has been having an impact since joining Ea s t Pe r th’ s ros t e r a f t e r four seasons with Perry Lakes.

Another to be doing damage has been Perth Wildcats’ star Drew Williamson, who has averaged 24 points in his four appearances this season.

Although, he did not take part in East Perth’s 93-83 win over Geraldton at the weekend.

The Slammers had their chances to defeat arch-rivals Mandurah on Friday night and led at three-quarter time before going down by four points, 99-95.

‘‘We’ve dropped the ball when ithas been required that we play team basketball,’’ Worthington said.

‘‘Some people look after their own stats and they forget playing a team game is the only way we’ll get victories. Even though it’s been promising, it’s been quite frustrating at the same time.’’