Double winning weekend gives boost to Jets playoff hopes

Cheshire Jets made it a weekend of vital wins in the BBL Championship following their victory at Sheffield with a triumph over Guildford Heat, 80-75.

Despite captain Colin O’Reilly suffering from a sickness bug, cleared to play only five minutes before the game, having thrown up before tip-off and in the locker room at half-time, he still played over 30 minutes on court.

A sloppy first quarter of the game saw momentum swing both ways, but it was Guildford who took command with 15 points in the last five minutes, to lead by five, 18-23

The next ten minutes started off in worst possible fashion as the score was pushed out to nine points until a big three pointer from Kai Williams to claw the Jets back into the frame. However, Heat kept up the pressure as Julius Joseph established the nine point lead once more.

It was clear to see how O’Reilly was suffering as his shooting was well below par, but his presence on court was still effective.

Cheshire again tried to eat into Heat’s lead but it seemed as though it was one step forward, two steps back, Bill Cole making it 30-33, until Mike Martin and Tayo Ogedengbe stretched the lead to 30-37.

The story of the quarter was always the fightback the Jets had in them as Adam Brown and Williams posted three points apiece, but Frank Holmes was on hand for Guildford to put his team three points ahead going into half time, 36-39.

Coming out for the third quarter, there was plenty of optimism from the home fans, however it was to be quickly subdued as the visitors went on a riot and it was looking bleak once more as Drew Lasker put the score at 46-58 sinking his free throw after a foul from Bill Cole.

Then the Northgate Arena came alive as O’Reilly started a fantastic, game changing run of 15-0 for Cheshire, with his one and only three-pointer, that would give the home side the lead going into the final stanza.

Heat were not for lying down though, as they tied up the scores 63-63 not long into the last period of play. However, that would be the closest they would get as Cheshire took control, despite being in foul trouble, and closed the game out in professional style to secure a winning weekend, 80-75.

Highlights of the game for Cheshire, which there were many may it be added, were Adam Brown’s tally of 30 points, Matt Schneck’s huge double-double of 17 points and 19 rebounds, 12 of which were defensive boards, Kai Williams’ vital three pointers, and a valiant effort considering his condition from captain O’Reilly.

Heat’s stats racked up with Ogedengbe posting 20 points, and a double-double from Drew Lasker of 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The weekend that John Lavery could have dreamed of happened, and now a visit to Leicester Riders on Wednesday awaits them, however winning ways have been resumed and the push for a play-off place is still well and truly on.

Cheshire Jets: 18, 36, 61, 80
Guildford Heat: 23, 39, 58, 75

Jets: Brown (30), Schneck (17), Williams (13)
Heat: Ogedengbe (20), Martin (15), Holmes (14)