A DEFENSIVE lesson was learned by the Cheshire Jets as they led for three periods before letting their advantage slip.
John Lavery's first game in charge started like a dream as the Jets pulled out a 10-point lead in the opening quarter 20-10, Bill Cole draining with pinpoint accuracy from three-point range on three occasions.
Despite a wobble in the second the Jets held a slender 35-30 lead at the half but in the third Nate Reinking, the former Mersey Tigers veteran still deadly from range, picking up some momentum for the Sharks.
Both sides traded baskets and the Jets managed to escape then third with a two-point advantage but the pressure was building.
Despite the efforts of game top scorer Cole (19) and centre Matt Schneck (16) the Jets began to lose their grip on the game in the final quarter.
Foul trouble loomed for the slender squad as Cole, Schneck and Keith Page all reached four personal fouls an although they managed to keep their starting five from fouling out, the Sharks made the final running and drew first blood in this group game.
The Jets will be able to exact their revenge on Sunday at the Northgate when the Sharks come to Chester for the second group game. Follow @AlecDoyleChron for all the action on twitter and read a full match report on this website on Sunday night.
