Skipper in doubt for must-win contest

Printsync South West Slammers women’s co-captain Courtney Bayliss could miss Saturday’s do-or-die game against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns after suffering a suspected Achilles injury at the weekend.

The sharp shooter was limping after Sunday’s three-point extra time win over the Stirling Senators and is a “50-50” chance to play in the must-win game at the Eaton Recreation Centre, according to coach Peter Harper.

If the Slammers defeat the fifth-placed Suns, then they will replace either the Perry Lakes Hawks or the Senators in the top eight.

Bayliss has been one of the stand-out players for the Slammers this season, averaging more than 14 points and seven rebounds a game. Harper said Bayliss would see a physiotherapist to determine if she would play at the weekend.

“It is out of our hands,” he said.

Co-captain Kate Fielding will likely take Bayliss’ spot in the starting five if she does not get up for the game, with the former New Zealand national representative having one of her better performances on Sunday.

Harper said a third-straight must-win match was good for his team.

“They should take some confidence from winning the first two,” he said.

“A lot of the girls are finding some form. Georgia’s (Denehey) shooting was great and Tori (Fisher) is showing some better signs.”

The Slammers will have to be strong in defence this weekend, with Suns’ stars Alexandra Ciabattoni and Jennie Rintala both averaging 18 points and nine rebounds a game.

“Defensively, we have to focus on their spread as they have plenty of scorers across the board,” Harper said.

“But last time we played them we did not have Tori.

“I think we match-up well against them.”

The night will also double as a celebration of Fielding’s 250th game for the club, which she played on July 14 away against the Cockburn Cougars.

Harper said he hoped for a strong crowd to turn out to support the team.

“I think the club really needs it at this time,” he said. “It would be great if we got a lot of support and a big crowd turned out.”