Everton Tigers have more at stake than local pride when they face Chester Jets on Friday night.
The last North West derby of the season will have added spice with the two clubs in close contention for the BBL’s play-off spots.
The Tigers are looking for the win to avenge two previous derby defeats this season and gain some valuable league points.
Head coach Tony Garbelotto has admitted that the club are out of the running for a top four placing after defeats to Sheffield and Newcastle but wants to ensure the team finish fifth for a favourable draw in the play-offs, where they could even meet the Jets in the semi-final.
He praised the Jets’ improvement in the current campaign: 'The Jets have played unbelievably this year, they are really solid and are only integrating a couple of players into their system. They have good size, and for us, this is always going to be a tough game.'
“In the two games this season, we’ve been up by a combined total of thirty two points at half-time and they have come back to win by nine and eleven points. It shows how they keep battling – I’m not sure you could have said that about the team in the past.
Garbelotto, meanwhile, is looking for his side to improve their consistency, with another away trip to London Capital lined up for Saturday.
He added: “Fortunately we are all fit, but we need to be more cohesive. The team is in a good position, however we need to hit our best form now.”
“It’s a big help having Kevin Bell back in after a three months on the sidelines, but we are battling to integrate him at the moment.”
Everton Tigers vs Cheshire Jets - Friday 09 April 2010 (7.30pm) @ Greenbank Sports Academy
PAWS London Capital v Everton Tigers - Saturday 10 April 2010 (7.30pm) @ Capital City Academy
Tickets are still available for the game at Greenbank Sports Academy by calling 0151 280 7757
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