BUCS Men 1st vs Lancaster University

Recap

UoC Mens’ 1st’s traveled to the University of York on Wednesday for their 2nd Northern Conference BUCS Cup appearance in 3 years. Their last visit to the finals ended in a heart-breaking loss to a talented Teesside team and players and coaches alike were determined not to repeat the experience. There has been a high turnover of players in the intervening period but the coaching staff and senior players Niel Gillard, Ethan Wade and Chris Wanford remained and were looking to bow out of university competition with a well-deserved victory. Standing in their way was a marauding University of Lancaster team, roaring to promotion in Division 3A and sweeping all aside in the cup competition, reaching the final courtesy of a 64 point victory over the University of Bradford. UoC knew little of their opponents other than having met their coach in games against his former sides.

This led to a cagey opening to the game as Chester tried to suss their opponents out and grew into the game themselves. After that initial quiet period Chester exploded into life behind their three National League players, Gillard, Khan and Strong and, once they took the lead never really looked back. UoC were up by 13 at the half and, despite a couple of attempted runs by Lancaster’s excellent outside shooters, never looked in too much doubt as they ground away at the opposition. The clock ran out in front of an impressive, and vociferous, Chester following with the team taking the victory 82-61.

Head coach Chris Wilson had this to say after the game:

“An absolutely fantastic day for UoC Basketball, with the support from the University and Chester Students Union we’ve made this club a consistent winner. Special thanks to the National League players who have helped school the younger players this season”.