A top-four finish would be perfect

Thunder begin their National League Division 1 campaign at home to Essex Leopards on Saturday and Hildreth said: “Ultimately, our goal in the league is to reach the play-offs. A top four finish and a home tie in the play-offs would be perfect.

“At the moment, we don’t know what other teams have got and their strengths.

“It will be Christmas time when you can start to think about a realistic finish.”

Thunder beat Essex 92-85 to seal a place in the National Trophy quarter-finals on Saturday but Hildreth is expecting a different game this weekend.

He said: “Essex were depleted on Saturday, so will come here with a stronger squad. We know we’ll have to play well for the full 40 minutes to get the win.”

Worthing then entertain Kent Crusaders in the last 16 of the National Cup on Sunday.

Thunder have made an application for a working Visa for an American player to join the club. Hildreth said: “Once it has been sorted, we’ll get him on the next plane over here.”

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A top-four finish would be perfect – Hildreth