Lancashire will open the 2016-17 season against Team Northumbria in Pool 3 of the National Trophy.
The competition, which has evolved into four groups of three teams, will also see the Spinners host the Manchester Magic on Sept. 24 at Castle Leisure Centre before concluding away against the Bradford Dragons on Oct. 1.
The winner of each pool heads straight to the semifinals on Jan. 29 with the finals on Feb. 19.
Lancashire is a combined 6-8 all-time against teams in its group, including a 3-1 record versus Bradford. The Spinners defeated each team at least once last season.
Former Division Two rivals London Lituanica will make a trip to Castle Leisure Centre on Oct. 10 to open divisional play. The Spinners swept the season series in 2015-16 with Steven Gayle’s 31-point effort helping to lead a comeback victory on the road.
The Spinners travel to the newly promoted Loughorough Student Riders in the first weekend of November whilst a visit to Division Two regular season champions Team Solent Kestrels is slated for Dec. 12.
Christmas break is preceded by a trip south to the Essex Leopards a week later before the second half of the season starts back up on Jan. 7.
For a second straight season, the Spinners have a flurry of home games to end the season finishing with three-straight and five of the last seven.
A place in the National Cup quarterfinal will again go through Bury with the Spinners hosting the winner of the second round game on Oct. 30.
The quarterfinals will be contested on Nov. 20 whilst the semis and final are on Dec. 11 and Jan.22, respectively.
Note: All games and times are subject to change. Visit LancashireSpinners.co.uk for updated information.
Allen Gunn
Latest posts by Allen Gunn (see all)
The post Spinners open season against Northumbria appeared first on Lancashire Spinners.