Cheshire Phoenix are hoping to shake off their ‘tough start’ to the season.

Nix general manager James Brice said a difficult opening to their campaign has not changed any of the club’s expecations.

Plymouth Raiders condemned the side to a disappointing 93-84 defeat at Cheshire Oaks Arena on Sunday.

A solitary win against Worcester Wolves means Cheshire have won once in their opening four home games.

Phoenix general manager James Brice
Phoenix general manager James Brice

Brice said: “We’ve had a tough start at home in terms of fixtures. Playing Leicester Riders and Newcastle Eagles first wasn’t easy.

“It was a really good result against Worcester to get us up and running.

“Obviously we hope for better than one win in four, but it’s OK and we know we will improve.

“Home form is key to being successful so we want to make sure we get some momentum going at Cheshire Oaks.”

Cheshire lie ninth in the BBL Championship table with a 2-5 record after the defeat to the Raiders.

Anton Grady and Rhys Carter top-scored for Plymouth who led from start to finish and managed to hold on through a tense fourth quarter.

Raheem May-Thompson, Earl Brown Jr and Josh Wilcher all pitched in with more than 15 points for the Phoenix, but it was not enough.

Raheem May-Thompson in action for Cheshire Phoenix against Plymouth Raiders

Brice said: “It was disappointing to lose at home. We thought it was a game we could’ve won.

“They controlled a lot of the game and when we came back we just couldn’t get over the line in the end.

“We need to learn from it and we’ve watched the game back a couple of times to make sure we do that.”

Following the Worcester win head coach Colin O’Reilly had challenged his team to be ‘more consistent’ with their performances.

Brice revealed the Nix were ‘still in the market’ and looking to add to their playing roster.

Cheshire Phoenix players celebrate their success over Worcester Wolves

Next up for the team is a BBL Cup quarter-final at holders Newcastle tonight (7.30pm).

Before the season the GM said the club ‘would love to win a trophy’.

He said: “There have been no revisions of expectations.

“There’s going to be ups and downs throughout a season.

“It’s a cup game so anything can happen. If you want to win these competitions then you have to beat the best.

“We went there last year and won. We respect them, but think we can do it again.”

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