Garbelotto – We need to cut out mistakes

Mersey Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto wants his side to cut out the little mistakes ahead of their derby clash with Cheshire Jets on Friday.

The Tigers picked up their first league win of the campaign against Durham last week, and host the Jets for the second time this season.

Garbelotto said: “We are concentrating on improving our team in all areas at present. We seem to be almost up to speed on our conditioning and now we need to cut out of the little mistakes that are hurting our performance.

“The Jets are our local rivals so this game is always played with a lot of intensity. I like what coach John [Lavery] has done this season. They play very, very hard and have had some really good results. I see nothing but a tough game for us.”

Garbelotto’s men beat the Jets 83-78 at Northgate Arena in the reverse fixture in the BBL Trophy, before the Jets gained revenge with a 74-62 win at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park.

He added: “I was really impressed with Adam Brown last game. He is quick, not afraid to take the big shots. Of course Matt Schneck and Colin O’Reilly are also big game players.”

With Tigers having a 1-3 Championship record and Jets in sixth spot with two wins from five games, it looks like being a key game for both sides.

Jets’ coach John Lavery admits that he is surprised by Tigers’ indifferent start to the season: “They are well drilled side, and I’m surprised they haven’t won more games. But they’ve just pick up their first win so they’ll be gunning for the second.”