BBL Trophy fixtures announced
The reigning BBL Trophy champions One Health Sharks Sheffield will tip-off their quest to defend their 2012-13 success at EBL side, Reading Rockets after the draw for the 2013-14 competition was announced today.
Remaining a straight knockout competition and beginning in mid-January next year, the BBL Trophy will not only include all 12 BBL member clubs, but also include four EBL teams from the second tier of the game, featured in the first round.
Three away trips for other BBL clubs to EBL sides sees Glasgow Rocks heading south of the border to face Leeds Carnegie. Surrey Heat will spar with future 2014-15 BBL participants, Bristol Academy Flyers, whilst Essex Leopards will entertain Newcastle Eagles, a club who have dominated the competition in recent times.
The remaining participants allow for four all-BBL ties, includes London Lions playing host to Worcester Wolves and last years’ beaten finalists Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders visiting Cheshire Phoenix.
The longest trip in the first round will be undertaken by Durham Wildcats, who make the long trek to Devon to play Plymouth University Raiders, whilst the final encounter will see newbies Birmingham Knights travel to second season returnees, Manchester Giants.
The full BBL Trophy first round line up is as follows:
London Lions v Worcester Wolves
Plymouth University Raiders v Durham Wildcats
Cheshire Phoenix v Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders
Manchester Giants v Birmingham Knights
Leeds Carnegie v Glasgow Rocks
Bristol Academy Flyers v Surrey Heat
Essex Leopards v Newcastle Eagles
Reading Rockets v One Health Sharks Sheffield
Each of the winners will progress into the quarter-final round draw which will be a one-off game.
The semi-finals will remain a two-legged encounter, with the winners proceeding to the show piece Final which will be held at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow on Saturday 15th March.
- To book your tickets already for the BBL Trophy Final – visit www.bbl.org.uk/trophyfinal or call 0844 338 8000.
