The Southside Flyers have elected to forfeit the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) game against the UC Capitals scheduled for Thursday 17 February 5pm.
In a statement, the WNBL said the Flyers made the decision “in consideration of the health and wellbeing of their team”. The decision will result in the game being awarded to the UC Capitals and the score will be 20-0, as per FIBA rules.
This comes off the back of the Capitals’ four-game winning streak following their 25-point demolition over the Southside Flyers on 6 February.
The WNBL advised those who have purchased tickets to tomorrow’s game would be contacted by Ticketek.
The Flyers were impacted by their three Opals players being bumped from a flight and therefore delayed on their return from the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Serbia, meaning they would return less than 24-hours before the proposed game. Further to that, they have an additional three athletes with injury or illness.
Given the unique circumstances, the WNBL worked closely with the Capitals and Flyers administrators yesterday to determine whether a rescheduled game would be possible. However, after many considerations, it was determined it was not possible, and the game would need to go ahead.
While a team of seven athletes could have participated, in consultation with the Coach and Captain, and working through a range of considerations, the Flyers opted to forfeit the game. They remain committed to a fully fit and available team for their next match, scheduled for this Saturday 19 February, at Dandenong Stadium against the Adelaide Lightning, the WNBL statement said.
Per the League rules, forfeiture will result in a fine and may bring further disciplinary action by WNBL League Management under the WNBL Licence Agreement.
The Capitals sit second on the ladder and will host Townsville Fire at the National Convention Centre Canberra this Saturday 5pm.
In other news, the UC Capitals have stood down squad member and development player Casey Samuels following an incident at licensed premises on the Gold Coast on Sunday 6 February.
Samuels is not participating in any games, training or promotional activities during the stand-down period.
The club will review its position following a court hearing scheduled for 21 February.
