• Register

The Wollongong Roller Hawks resume NWBL action this weekend with two games against the Perth Wheelcats.

Both games will be played at the traditional home of Illawara basketball, Beaton Park Stadium aka the Snake Pit with officials anticipating a strong crowd to turn out with the Roller Hawks providing free entry for both games.

Roller Hawks player Luke Pople is excited to play at the Snake Pit.

"We played a couple of games at the Snake Pit two seasons ago and we had really good crowds" said Pople.

"I really like playing there. The grandstand is so close to the court and when it's packed it makes for a great atmosphere."

"Fingers crossed we can pack it out for both these games against Perth."

The Wheelcats were the only team to beat the Roller Hawks in the Round 1 Cluster Round after the Roller Hawks lead for three quarters before being run down in the final quarter.

"We played well against Perth in round 1 but unfortunately we couldn't finish the game off" said Pople.

"Going into this weekend we can take a lot of positives out of that game."

The Wheelcats are coming off two wins against the Sydney Metro Blues in Round 2.

"These are crucial games" says Roller Hawks coach Jim Williams.

"We need to win both to clinch the series victory over Perth." The Roller Hawks have not played since the Cluster

Round having had a bye in Round 2 which left a three week gap for the side to focus on the Wheelcats.

"We've been working on improving the depth in defence to the 3 points line and more options in offence," said Williams.

"Our challenge is to manage (Shaun) Norris but not let other scored cheap points."

"We need to play smart against pressure, use the ball well and get it to our best shooters when and where they like it."

Roller Hawks Round 2 games are proudly sponsored by People Care.

  • Saturday April 30: WOLLONGONG ROLLER HAWKS vs PERTH WHEELCATS - 5pm @ Snake Pit
  • Sunday May 1: WOLLONGONG ROLLER HAWKS vs PERTH WHEELCATS - 12pm @ Snake Pit