“THE harder they come, the harder they fall...”

The lyrics from Jimmy Cliff’s famous reggae song fit perfectly with the philosophy of fellow West Indian Shawn Myers is taking into Jets’ curtain-raising clash with the all-conquering Newcastle Eagles tomorrow.

Opening matches don’t get any harder in the British Basketball League, but Jets veteran Myers reckons it is as good a time as any to tackle last season’s treble-winners.

The 6ft 6in forward from Trinidad said: “I think that’s the best way to start if you ask me. It shows you where you are, and what you need to do if you happen to lose the game.

“I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure a lot of the guys are looking forward to it. It’s a good test and it comes very, very early, which I’m happy about.”

Myers, 40, began his BBL career with Newcastle in 2001 but has had three spells with the Jets since. Now back for a fourth term with Paul Smith’s men, he says he has come to regard Chester has ‘home’. Indeed, he was granted UK citizenship last week.

Myers said: “It’s always good to be back in Chester. I feel like I’ve never left Chester, ever. That’s the way I’m feeling right now. Staying here all summer, it’s just like being home.”