Cruel blow as WNBL’s UC Capitals knocked out of playoffs by default due to Covid outbreak

The University of Canberra Capitals have been knocked out of the WNBL playoffs by default after a Covid outbreak forced the league to scrap the last two games of their semi-final series against Perth.

The Capitals fell to the Lynx 91-77 in game one on the road, but Sunday’s scheduled game two was unable to be played after a number of positive Covid cases were detected within the team.

Under ACT Covid guidelines, Canberra had enough players in isolation that it was unable to field a seven-woman team, the minimum required to play the game.

Watch Every Game of the 21/22 WNBL Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

That would’ve seen them needing to win game three - now the second and final game - by 15 points or more to qualify for the Grand Final.

However on Tuesday the WNBL confirmed the Capitals would be unable to field a team for that match, rescheduled for Wednesday April 6 in Perth.

“In consultation with medical staff, given the extenuating circumstances surrounding their Covid outbreak (including ACT Government mandated isolation period) the UC Capitals have determined that it would be medically unsafe for the team to travel to Perth and play,” the league said in a statement.

“They have therefore advised that they cannot participate in the game, meaning the series reverts to one-game, which has been played and won by the Perth Lynx.

“While a disappointing outcome for Capitals fans, the league understands and respects their decision not to travel to Perth.”

Perth will face minor premiers the Melbourne Boomers, who took down the Adelaide Lightning in the other semi-final, with game one on Saturday April 2 in Melbourne, game two on Wednesday April 6 in Perth, and game three if required on Saturday April 9 in Melbourne.