SWINDON Shock will take a step into the unknown against a familiar opponent on Sunday when they face Northants Taurus in their Division Three South curtain-raiser.

After winning promotion last season, Shock begin their campaign against the side that beat in last season’s play-off final.

Having missed the first three cup matches, player-coach David Colclough is hoping to make his return to playing duties following registration issues, however, Shock are still likely to be without American point guard Antonio Wilburn who is still awaiting his visa.

With the team looking to avenge their play-off final defeat on Sunday, Colclough says there will be no problem motivating his troops.

“They beat us by five in the championship game last season so we know we can play with them,” said Colclough.

“I said to the players if we can go there and do the things we need to do, we will be okay.

“It’s important we get an early win, because if we can beat them at their place, that is an important start for us.”

Colclough is hopeful that he will be given the nod to allow him to get back out on the court.

“I played in Germany for pre-season and I thought I played really well there so I just need England Basketball to give me the green light,” Colclough said.

However, the club have been dealt an injury blow as Spencer Wells is set to miss out with a back injury, Lee Hobbis and Alistair Tilney are also unnavailable.