Award for coach of in-form Cheshire Jets

Cheshire Jets’ fine late season form has been recognised, with coach John Lavery landing the April Coach of the Month award.

The Jets’ play-off chances looked uncertain at the beginning of the month, but just one defeat in eight matches saw them secure 6th place in the BBL table, and they followed that up with a fine two leg triumph over Worcester Wolves in the play-off quarter finals at the weekend.

Lavery, who is in his first year coaching at pro-level, has got the Jets ticking at the right time, and their fans are now dreaming of winning their first piece of silverware since 2005.

After crashing against Leicester at John Sandford Sports Centre in early April, the Jets didn’t taste defeat during the remainder of the month as they subsequently posted an unbeaten streak of six games.

Their play-off ambitions were realised with a super win double when they picked up vital victories at fellow rivals Prestige Homes MK Lions and at home to Glasgow Rocks to cement their post-season participation.

Then, they managed to win at Sport Central against league champions Newcastle Eagles courtesy of some sharp shooting by Kai Williams and subsequently steam-rollered One Health Sharks Sheffield to bag sixth spot in what was the very last game of the BBL regular season.

With such impressive momentum, Jets headed to Worcester Wolves in the play-off quarter final first leg and emerged unscathed with a rare 80-80 tie to set up a monumental battle at Northgate in the second leg.

Lavery and his team emerged victorious and the sixth seeded Jets knocked out the third seeded Wolves to extend their season to the penultimate weekend of the campaign.

They now face champions Newcastle Eagles in their play-off semi-final this weekend.