Portsmouth Force to play highest level of basketball games in the city for 30 years with weekend double header against Reading Rockets and Essex Rebels in the BCB Trophy
Huge double header sees Portsmouth Force start the season against tough opposition
This weekend will see the highest level of basketball games played in Portsmouth in over three decades.
Fresh off their opening game of the British Championship Basketball Trophy away to Worthing Thunder, Portsmouth Force welcome sides two divisions above them on consecutive days.
While the Force will be the underdogs against Reading Rockets and Essex Rebels on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 respectively, head coach Craig Hughes is hoping a raucous home support can help them ruffle some feathers.
He said: “The home crowd can only help us. We need every single one per cent gain to try and keep the game interesting for as long as possible, to be annoying and disruptive, and try and cause an upset.”
It is only the BCB Trophy’s second season after the top division of the NBL broke away and formed the BCB league last year. The competition contains the 15 BCB League teams and five teams invited from the NBL, of which one was Portsmouth.
The Force will play four games in their group with the top two advancing to the next stage of the trophy.
However, just to be there and hosting games against some of the top teams in the country is special for Chris West, the vice-chair of the Force.
He said: “We could not be more excited to bring the highest level games of basketball to Portsmouth in the last 30 years. The fact that we have one on Saturday and then one on Sunday is a real bonus. Basketball in the city is thriving and it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our entire gameday experience (both on and off the court) to the rest of the country.
“The BCB Trophy is a chance for our players to let others know about themselves against some of the best talent in the country. They have demonstrated the determination and passion that our city’s sports teams are known for, with a bit of flair too. It promises to be a great weekend and we would love to see as many people there as possible.”
The first game in the group saw the Force lose by 39 points but Hughes was encouraged by the players attitude and competitiveness.
He said: “Worthing was very tough, it was quick introduction to what these four games are going to be like. It was a big test but we did well in that we hung around for long enough and that is what we wanted to do. We gave them a good game but they showed the difference between the two divisions.
“There was still a sense of positivity that you wouldn't usually see in a loss. There was still a togetherness and players were saying they enjoyed it which I have not heard before after a loss. From that one game we have learnt a lot.”
Heading into the weekend’s double header at home, the players are looking forward to getting on the court at the Ravelin Sports Centre.
The team’s captain, Ollie Blake, said: “Myself and the whole team are really excited to be able to be part of bringing the BCB trophy to Portsmouth. As someone who’s been here since the club formed, I feel very privileged to be part of the growth and this weekend is another sign of where the club is going. It’s going to be very tough for us, but it will be a great test to prepare us for the upcoming league season”
Alex Grant, who plays at centre, said: “Games like this are exactly what you want as a player. It’s a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against teams two divisions above us, but it’s also a chance to put Portsmouth Force on show and hopefully get a really good crowd behind us.
“To be able to add this milestone to the club’s history is really exciting, and having the chance to play these big games in front of our home fans is something that means a lot to our team.
“We want to give everyone who comes along something to get excited about, and put in a performance that shows what Portsmouth Force is capable of.”
Portsmouth Force face Reading Rockets at 6.30pm on Saturday before taking on the Essex Rebels at 2pm at the Ravelin. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.ticketsource.com/portsmouthforce.