Chester start BUCS with a win!

After missing out on the BUCS Division 1 title in the final game of the 2018/19 season, the University of Chester were eager to start the season strong. Chester welcomed newly promoted University of Sheffield Men’s 1^st team to the Downes Sports Hall. In the previous season Sheffield won BUCS Division 2B with an impressive 8-2 record. The scoring prowess of Sheffield is even more impressive, averaging 83.2 points per game while only letting in just 63.7 points per game.

Chester welcomed four new players to the First Team, Isaac Ray, Alvaro Garcia, James Greenland and Mert Guzel to a strong group of returning players including Captain Reiss Faure-Daley, Vice-Captain Max Jones, Joe Etherington, Joe Kincaid, Dave Omole, Michael Mensah-Kane and Joe Robinson.

Chester started the game with electric offence, led by Joe Kincaid hitting his first 4 threes, culminating in Chester scoring 35 points in the first quarter.  Chester making use of good squad depth, used 10 players in the first half alone to help maintain momentum.

While Sheffield settled into the game during the second quarter, Chester continued to control the game, winning the second quarter 23-16, taking a 19-point lead into halftime, 58-39.  

Chester kept Sheffield at arm’s length for the rest of game, running out winners, 85-66.  

There were a number of notable performances for Chester including Joe Kincaid who led all scorers with 17; debutant Isaac Ray who scored 15 points while getting 6 assists and 9 rebounds; Joe Etherington who scored 15 points from off the bench; Dave Omole with 13 points and 15 rebounds; and Reiss Faure-Daley with 10 points, 9 assists and 3 blocks (one which we will forever regret not catching on camera)!

Chester look to carry their BUCS performance into the next game. Chester take on Bristol Hurricanes at 6 pm at home on Saturday.