Cheshire Phoenix and the Surrey 89ers locked horns in an enthralling Sunday night matchup in Super League Basketball.

Cheshire Phoenix don’t need a rivalry or added edge to make games feel worth watching. There was nothing particularly spicy about Sunday night’s meeting with Surrey 89ers — no bad blood, no lingering storyline — just two entertaining teams playing a good game of basketball.

What followed at Ellesmere Port Sports Village was fast, competitive and engaging throughout, the kind of contest that quietly reminds you why Super League Basketball is such an easy watch.

Surrey arrived in good form, and with confidence growing, and while Cheshire has largely had the better of this matchup in recent seasons, this was never a fixture to take lightly. I’ve always admired the work Lloyd Gardner does with this group — his teams are well-drilled, competitive and rarely beat themselves, and he’s a big reason Surrey continues to be a difficult opponent on any given night.

From the opening exchanges, the pace was high and the intent clear on both sides, with neither team interested in letting the game settle.

Fast tempo suited both teams

The opening quarter set the tone. Baskets were traded early, the ball moved well, and Cheshire edged the early exchanges with a late push that gave them a narrow lead at the first break. There was control, but no comfort.

Surrey responded impressively in the second quarter. The visitors found rhythm offensively, matched Cheshire’s intensity and swung momentum their way. The pace stayed high, shots began to fall, and Surrey’s composure saw them take a slim lead into halftime, keeping the contest finely balanced and very much alive.

Cheshire stays true to themselves

The third quarter became a test of response rather than control. Surrey briefly stretched their advantage, forcing Cheshire to respond. Rather than slowing the game down or forcing the issue, Phoenix leaned into what they do best. Defensive pressure increased, transition opportunities appeared, and the game began to open up again.

Cheshire edged back in front heading into the final period, but with neither side able to take full control, the outcome remained firmly in the balance.

Recognition, then reaction, coach Ben goes small

Once Cheshire Phoenix recognised that Patrick Robinson could consistently win one-on-one, LaQuincy Rideau could turn the corner without needing screens, and Surrey weren’t over-helping aggressively, the adjustment almost made itself. As the game developed, Phoenix leaned further into a smaller, more mobile lineup, responding effectively to Surrey’s structure and pushing the tempo even higher.

That approach defined the fourth quarter. Rideau’s influence was clear, as he got downhill, drew fouls, disrupted passing lanes and brought control whenever the game threatened to swing back the other way. Cheshire played with freedom and confidence, trusting their identity rather than searching for something new.

Energy, spacing and consistency – what we love Cheshire for

Rideau’s impact was matched by the energy around him. Tobias Cameron brought aggression and effort, lifting the intensity with his physical approach and defensive activity. Frankie Policelli remained a constant risk from beyond the arc, stretching the floor and punishing any hesitation, while Michael Diggins once again delivered a calm, consistent performance — steady, reliable and effective throughout.

Surrey continued to compete until the closing stages, and while Cheshire were able to pull clear late on, the final margin didn’t fully reflect how competitive the game remained deep into the fourth quarter.

I love a Sunday night in Ellesmere Port

This game felt like Cheshire winning by being Cheshire. Playing with pace, trusting individual creation, feeding off energy and momentum, and never losing their identity.

More than anything, it was a reminder of what Super League Basketball does well. Fast-paced, physical, unpredictable and full of moments. Sunday night at Ellesmere Port Sports Village didn’t need an edge  — just two good teams playing the game their way — a credit to our league.