D1 Men Preview

After a two-week break due to Covid-19 protocols, Wolves men return to action tomorrow afternoon as they face a Solent Kestrels side who have dominated NBL Division One over the last three seasons.

It is almost two years since Kestrels suffered a loss in NBL action, winning an incredible 48 straight games on the way to back-to-back league titles. Matt Guymon's side also became the first Division One team to reach the BBL Trophy final last season and have progressed to the quarter-finals of this year's competition as well as the last four of the L Lynch Trophy.

Coach Thomas Baker admits it's been a tough period for his side and facing the champions brings another big test: “It is has been a tough couple of weeks for us as a team" he said. "Another period of isolation and a reminder that COVID will continue to present itself at any moment. We have our toughest test this weekend against the champions and we must remain open to the challenges that this game will give us. Solent have been the team who have set the standard over recent seasons and it will be great for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the country. It will be a great learning experience and we will be excited for the game this weekend!” The game will see the return to Oaklands of international forward Orlan Jackman whose signing for Wolves' predecessors, Essex & Herts Leopards, 13 months ago helped the Big Cats stay in Division One. Leopards' visit to Southampton last season saw a club record 122-61 loss and despite a good first half in the return at Brentwood, Leopards went down 113-79 .