IT'S finally the start of the new season for Cheshire Phoenix.

Holders Phoenix begin their defence of the BBL Trophy away to Sheffield Sharks on Sunday.

It will be a competition that Ben Thomas’ side will want to do well in once again, following on from their superb success versus London Lions in last season’s final.

Cheshire’s third successive final appearance saw them prevail 98-82 in Birmingham and Laquincy Rideau was the game’s MVP.

The Nix, who concluded their preparations for the new season with a 98-89 friendly defeat at the hands of Bristol Flyers, have announced their initial 10-man roster for the campaign.

Returning from last season are league veteran Skyler White, American stars Cam Christon and Cam Holden, and local North West talents David Ulph and Greg Wild, while Tahjai Teague is back.

The four new names to the club are TJ Atwood, RJ Eytle-Rock, Ricky Clemons and Tyreek Scott-Grayson.

Tonight: Caledonia v Manchester; Newcastle v Sheffield; Leicester v Bristol. Tomorrow: Surrey v London. Sunday: Manchester v Newcastle.