BBL Preview: Mersey Tigers vs Leicester Riders

The first game for Leicester Riders as the new BBL regular season champions could not be an easier task, as they face disgruntled bottom side Mersey Tigers in Knowsley this Easter Sunday afternoon.

After clinching the Championship last night at their home court against Durham Wildcats, but Leicester, for some, could be forgiven for taking their eye off the ball for this fixture, but head coach of Mersey Tigers will be hoping that Rob Paternostro’s 2012-13 double winners will come at full strength and fully prepared.

Speaking after their defeat against Manchester Giants on Friday, which for many was more memorable not for another defeat, but for the refereeing decisions, Walsh said: “They may have won the title already by the time Sunday arrives, but I would hope Leicester come here to give us a game and not take us lightly.

“Rob is a great coach and Riders have had a fantastic season, and if we were to finally get that win, I would prefer to do it against a full strength side who come here prepared; I wouldn’t want an easy ride for a victory,” concluded Mersey’s man at the helm.

That all said, the notion of Paternostro’s men easing off after last night’s events and also in preparation for the road ahead into playoff season would not be surprising, but maintaining good form going into the most unpredictable stage of the entire 2012-13 campaign, as top seeds, is also crucial if they want to go from two to three trophies this year.

It remains to be seen just what will unfold at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, but what can be guaranteed will be the visitors come in high spirits, and under no illusions that a loss against Mersey Tigers in such a weekend as this would also be etched into the history books.

A record one thinks Rob Paternostro will have made perfectly clear to his men will not want to be a part of; whatever line-up is put out on court.

• Mersey Tigers face Leicester Riders at 4pm, Easter Sunday at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park