Basketball: Finch fears young Sharks can still fall

IF SHEFFIELD SHARKS hold their nerve this weekend they will be crowned the Budweiser League champions tomorrow night, but their cautious coach Chris Finch is still playing up the threat posed by Newcastle Eagles and Chester Jets.

Victories at home against the Eagles tonight and at Chester tomorrow will put the Sharks beyond the reach of second-placed Manchester Giants, before they play Sheffield in their last game of the regular season on Good Friday.

"Newcastle and Chester have plenty to play for, especially Newcastle who are trying to get the best possible place for the play-off quarter- finals," said Finch. Chester are out of contention but Finch added: "Their guys are playing for contracts for next season and that can make them just as dangerous."

Finch also claims to be worried by his team's ability to withstand the increasing pressure. "We are young and inexperienced. The players make mistakes and so do I."