A DOUBLE-HEADER weekend away from home sees the Cheshire Jets sign off for Christmas at Essex Pirates (7.30pm) and MK Lions (5pm).
Pirates Coach Tim Lewis rates the Jets highly: “They’ve had two tough games against Sheffield in the Cup, and losing Matt Schneck has obviously affected them,” he said.
“But Jeremy Bell has stepped up and done a really good job, and they have some great pros in Colin O’Reilly. I’m surprised that people are already writing them off.”
The Pirates lost 91-59 at the Northgate Arena in October, but since then have re-signed England international Taner Adu and they are already looking a much better team and one Smith will surely be wary of.
Sunday’s trip to MK Lions is the first meeting between the sides this season and pits them against former Jet Shawn Myers, a player who, at the age of 41, can still influence a game.
Lions play-caller Mike New said: “The Jets have one of the league’s quickest guards in Jeremy Bell and Quemont Greer is a tough assignment with his size and versatility.
“Combined with Cal Davis, Colin O’Reilly and Stephen Gayle plus the versatile and experienced Gareth Murray, they are a handful.
“Bell is the motor that keeps the Jets going, but his supporting cast, Greer and Murray particularly, have quietly played their roles very well and are as key as anyone to any early success they’ve had.”
