Cheshire Phoenix head coach Colin O’Reilly believes a break from competitive action has done his team the world of good.

The Nix were last on court when they were beaten 95-84 at Newcastle Eagles in the BBL Cup quarter-finals on November 6 and were without a game at the weekend.

They are back in action this weekend when they host Sheffield Sharks on Sunday (5.30pm) in the BBL, aiming to give their season a shot in the arm after beginning the campaign with just two wins from their first seven games.

“I think that is has come at the right time for us as a group and it is something that we needed and that has done us some good,” said O’Reilly.

“It has given us a chance to get away from games for a little bit and get back to basics. We’ve been able to get some much-needed rest and been able to work on some things in training and ensure that our preparation is right. We’re looking forward to getting back to it this weekend, though, especially as we are at home.

“You always want to win your home games or at least be in the ball game until the final quarter, so we know that the game this weekend is a real chance for us to try and get back to winning ways and build some momentum.

“It will be a tough game but we’ve had time to prepare and we should be fresh and ready to go having not had a game for what will be two weeks.”

Cheshire could have a new body on their roster ahead of the weekend as they await completion of a deal to bring more defensive steel.

The Nix have been one of the league’s strongest teams on offence this season but have struggled at the defensive end, prompting O’Reilly to address the situation.

“We have identified someone but we are now going through the process of waiting for visas to be finalised,” said O’Reilly, who released Josh Fox from the roster to make room for a new addition.

“We have been one of the top sides offensively but it is the other end where we have struggled and it is something that we needed to address.

“It all depends on when we get someone in, too. If they come in with just a day or so to prepare then you haven’t had chance to work with them properly. The longer you have to work with them the better.

“The ceilings we had for the group at the start of the season haven’t really been reached so we’ve made adjustments.”