Slammers welcome chance of revenge

Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers’ veteran Lee Smith says the side is better equipped for this weekend’s clash against Geraldton than when they were flogged by the Buccaneers in round one.

It was a torrid opening to 2012 for the Slammers, who were put to the sword 108-70 by Geraldton at the Eaton Recreation Centre in their first game of the season.

Playing five debutants, the South West side was brushed aside by an impressive Buccaneers unit. In the wash up, Slammers’ coach Greg Worthington blasted his side’s performance as ‘‘a bit short of disgraceful’’.

Smith, who officially retired eight years ago but resurrected his career in round four, did not take part in the performanc e but wa t ched the young Slammers from the sidelines.

He said there had been several ‘‘unknowns’’ about the first game of the season and this weekend’s bout at Geraldton’s Ray Owen Sports Centre would be a better yard-stick as to how far the club had come.

‘‘Now, we know what we’ve got, we know our strengths, we know our weaknesses and we can build on that,’’ he said.

The Slammers went in to the game without prolific import Carlos White, who was having visa issues.

Geraldton too, were missing American signing Morgan Sabia in that contest.

‘‘I think it will be a totally different ball game, especially on their home turf up there, it’s pretty tough to play up there,’’ Smith said.

‘‘We’re going to be at full strength and from what I understand they’ll be at full strength so it will be a good one to see how far we’ve come and how far we need to go.’’

Smith highlighted the side’s need to put together four quarters of basketball if they were to snap an eight game losing streak this weekend. The Slammers’ inconsistencies were in the spotlight again at the weekend, when they led East Perth by seven points at the l o n g b r e a k b e f o r e a s e c o n d h a l f fadeout meant they went down 92-71.

‘‘In order to succeed on any road trip, or in any game you need to play four quarters,’’ Smith said.

‘‘That will be more of a test especially when you go to places like Geraldton. Four quarters will be what is going to win it for us — playing the whole four quarters to the best of our ability.’’

Meanwhile, this weekend’s bye has come at a good time for the Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers women’s side, according to coach Darren Austin who has revealed several key players are suffering niggling injuries.

Imports Valerie Ogoke (ankle) and Kim Sitzman (knee) as well as guard Donnelle Wallam (knee) will use the weekend off to recover.

The Slammers lead the WSBL competition with seven rounds to play.