Haslam played in Italy between 2003 and 2006

Everton Tigers centre Chris Haslam has hailed his side's achievement in reaching the BBL Cup final in their second season as a professional club.

Southport-raised Haslam, 34, told BBC Radio Merseyside that playing for his local side adds to the occasion.

"Being from Merseyside, playing for the Tigers and to be in the cup final is a great achievement.

"We're looking forward to it on Sunday and hopefully the result goes in our favour," he said.

To win their first silverware, the Tigers will have to overcome Plymouth Raiders at the Birmingham NIA on 18 January.

The match has caught the public's imagination on Merseyside and the increased interest in the Tigers has not gone unnoticed by Haslam.

"Obviously it helps that we're winning games and are top of the league at the moment but I do see more coverage in the local papers, on the radio and even a couple of things on television.

"The crowds have been good and we're getting more of a core group of fans who have been coming week in, week out, so far it's been growing very nicely," said Haslam.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version