DURHAM Wildcats will achieve another notable milestone this evening when they play their first ever league game as a professional BBL club.

Having already made their bow in the BBL Trophy and Cup, Wildcats entertain Cheshire Jets in their maiden league encounter at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.

The BBL new boys are still searching for their first win of the season, and head coach Dave Elderkin is looking forward to getting their league campaign up and running.

"We've had a few big occasions in the last few weeks," he said. "But this is definitely as big as any.

"The league is the main competition of the season and it's really the truest test of where you stand as a team.

"There are a lot of matches to look forward to, but as a team making their debut in the league, we can't afford to look too far into the future.

"We've set ourselves some short-term targets, and hopefully we'll meet them. On paper, November looks like a pretty tough month with five matches to play.

"First and foremost, we have to get that first win. But we also have to make sure this is the month that really pulls us together and gives us a platform from which to push on for the rest of the season."

Today's game pits Durham against a Cheshire side that secured an impressive 90-84 win at Guildford Heat last weekend.

The Jets boast a strong first five, but Elderkin feels there could be an opportunity to exploit a lack of depth within their roster.

"Their starting five looks good," he said. "But maybe it doesn't quite translate across to the rest of their bench.

"Their result at Guildford was a good one, and it should be an interesting game. I've seen a few things coming out of their camp this week, and it looks like they're desperate to avoid being the first people to lose to the new boys."

The Wildcats have had a disrupted week's training because of injuries to Fred Hinnenkamp and Mark Elderkin. Hinnenkamp turned his ankle on Sunday, while Elderkin pulled a muscle in his back at the start of the week, but while the duo were unable to train until yesterday, it is hoped both will be available to play this evening.

Paul Elderkin will not be risked, however, as the Wildcats physio has recommended he has another week's rest before returning from the shoulder ligament injury he suffered during pre-season training.