Buccaneers keen to end season with a win over Slammers

Geraldton is famous in WA for its hostile basketball crowds — so come on down and be part of the noise. That’s the message Geraldton coach Dayle Joseph has for people as the Buccaneers reignite their country rivalry with the South West Slammers on Saturday in a winnable final round of the West Coast Classic tournament. Joseph said while diehard fans had given the team plenty of support throughout the season, there were seats to be filled and yelling to do. “Talking to visiting teams when they come, they love coming,” he said. “The hostility in the crowd noise when they play in Geraldton, they don’t get that anywhere else. “The more people that get along and support, (they) create an atmosphere the players enjoy playing in.” Asked whether he was being told Geraldton was famous for its crowds he said it was. “Absolutely,” he said. “Definitely. The support we’ve had has been fantastic.” He said he hoped people would show up in force for the final round. “This week is our last game, a very winnable game for us,” he said. “They (Bunbury) would probably be thinking the same. “The Bunbury-Geraldton country rivalry has always been one of those things in all sports, at country week and the like. “We’ll certainly want to finish our season on a win.” While the season was not a title defence and did not feature a full-strength Buccs side, the pressure was on for results, he said. The Buccaneers went within a few points of an upset win over a Willetton Tigers side looking to make the top four last weekend, with the game finishing 71-77. Former coach Ray Evans, owner of a retired jersey above the grandstand, said this season had been about pushing new talent through and the future was in good hands.