NBL1 SEASON SET, Miners/ Rush start with long away stretch

THE fixture for inaugural 20 game NBL1 season is out and it’s a challenging first seven games for the Hotondo Homes Ballarat Miners and Selkirk Ballarat Rush.

Both teams will play the same schedule, with the first game on the road in Nunawading.

A week later the Rush and Miners return to Ballarat for their home opener against traditional rivals the Bendigo Braves.

After that both teams begin their longest road trip of the season with five consecutive games away, including a trip north to Albury/ Wodonga and double header weekend in round 6.

“The high level of away games obviously provides a tough start as every team wants some home games that usually provide some wins to build momentum and confidence,” said Miners head coach, Brendan Joyce.

“However, if we can get away wins early that could also set us up for a strong season and the playoffs.”

Rush head coach, Eric Hayes echoed that statement.

“The season fixture has certainly set us an early challenge which could set us up if we can come away with a few wins,” he said.

“If we can get off to a solid start then the back half of the season will certainly provide an opportunity for us to finish the season off strong and hopefully put us in a position for some finals basketball.”

The teams will have to wait until mid-June for a crack at their other traditional rivals, the Geelong Supercats, in the first of two cracks at the Battle of the A300.

A week after that it’s north along the Midland Highway, with a road trip to Bendigo for the second leg of the teams’ home and home followed, and less than 24 hours later the Miners and Rush with have home games against the Albury Wodonga Bandits.

Overall there are four double headers rounds for the Rush and Miners throughout the season.

The fixture also includes special rounds including an Anzac Day, Mother Day, an Indigenous Round and Five weeks of playoffs start 26 July and run through to the single game grand final on Saturday, 17 August.