KENT CRUSADERS basketball team face their biggest away match so far on Saturday when they travel to the east Midlands to play league favourites the Derby Trailblazers.

Kent’s defeat against Tamar last weekend left Derby as the only undefeated team in the league, and they have been hugely impressive, winning all their games by an average 30 points.

The Trailblazers have a team full of experience and are led by point guard Matt Shaw, who joined them from last season’s play-off champions Mansfield, and returning guard Simon Spencer.

Despite going into the game as underdogs Kent, who play their home games in Canterbury, are in a defiant mood according to player Gary Davison.

He said: "We’ve shown resilience in difficult situations so we can walk into this next game fearless.”

The Crusaders squad is slowly returning to full-strength with Steve Findley and Pete Ayling having returned to the line-up against Tamar.

The game tips off on Saturday at 7.30pm at Moorways Leisure Centre in Derby. Tickets are available on the men’s team coach. Contact Jesse Sazant on 07765 218457 for more information.

For Tamar match report and full weekend preview see Thursday’s Kentish Gazette