Fixtures for the 2018/19 National Basketball League season have been released with an all too familiar season opener against Calderdale Explorers in the first round of the National Cup in just 21 days.
The two sides also faced off in the same fixture to start the 2017/18 season with Chester suffering a surprise loss to the then Division 4 side. Explorers win over Chester was the start to an exceptional season when they went on to win Division 4 with 19 wins and just 2 losses, earning promotion to Division 3.
The two sides start the 2018/19 season off at 4pm on Sunday 16th September 2018. The winner of the game will then progress to the second round of the Cup on the 29th September 2018 vs Sussex Bears.
Our first game in the league is away to Derby Trailblazers II on Sunday 30th September 2018. Trailblazer’s are another new team to the Division after finishing second in the Division 4 Midlands Division with 19 wins and 3 losses.
2018/19 Opponents and last season’s placing
- Birmingham Mets (6th)
- Calderdale Explorers (promoted – Division 4 North West champions)
- Charnwood College Riders (2nd)
- Derby Trailblazers II (promoted –Division 4 Midlands runners up)
- Sheffield Hallam Sharks (8th)
- Sheffield Sabres (promoted – Division 4 North West runners up)
- Stoke on Trent Knights (3rd)
- Team Birmingham Elite (relegated – 12th in Division 2)
- Team Derby Spartans (promoted – Division 4 Midlands champions)
- Team Sunderland (5th)
- WLV Albion (7th)
National League Fixtures 2018/19
Check out our highlights from the 2017/18 season