Patriots bounce back with a win in big derby clash

AN action-packed weekend of basketball saw the Plymouth City Patriots battle against two top sides and manage to come away with a hard fought victory to boot.

- By PABLO CHEEKS

On Easter Friday, in front of a packed Pavilions crowd, the Patriots took on the reigning BBL Trophy champions Cheshire Phoenix. The Phoenix looked every bit the silverware-winning side they profess to be, taking immediate control of the game, raining down three pointer after three pointer and despite the home team rallying towards the half-time break to close the gap to 13 points, it was clear the Phoenix were just getting started.

They continued to nail their outside shots and pulled away from the Patriots, taking the win 102-79.

“We really try, and it’s difficult. We’ve been kinda bipolar this year and it gets draining,” captain Elvisi Dusha said after the game. “Credit to Cheshire. They came in and played like they were at home. Bristol tomorrow, so we’ll see what happens.”

Indeed, the following day the Patriots made the short trip up the M5 to take on their South West rivals and attempt to salvage some pride having lost to Bristol three times this season already.