The first competitive home game of the 2024/25 season in the Vertu Motors Arena ended in a satisfying victory for the Newcastle Eagles. But Head Coach Matt Newby’s team were made to fight all the way by a Durham side who never went away despite not having the luck going with them.

The games between these two are traditionally fast and furious as the ferocity of the Derby day atmosphere gets through to both supporters and players alike. This one was no different as a healthy crowd enjoyed a committed 40 minutes of top-flight women’s basketball.

There was further spice added to the contest even before it had tipped off with ex-Eagles Captain Marina Fernandez Pardo who had spent the last three seasons in black and white now moving down the A1 to Durham.

The hugely popular Fernandez receiving a great reception when she was introduced to the crowd from the Durham bench and she went on to have a very solid game albeit in a losing cause. But this was a night ultimately about the Eagles and their new roster looking to gel and move forward.

Fernandez was in the visitor’s starting five and was named in the team line-up alongside star forward Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby a dangerous scorer and a mainstay of the Durham offence. Unfortunately Ottewill-Soulsby despite being on the visiting team sheet did not make an appearance at the game.

The Eagles starting five showed three returnees in point guard Lauren Saiki, power forward Tierra Hodges, guard/forward Abby Lowe alongside new USA import Jada Guinn and ex-Cardiff Met Archer Shannon Hatch the Swiss international forward.

It was Newcastle that started the quicker after Sophie Klassen had netted the first basket for Durham to get the scoreboard ticking, Lowe hit two big triples to put the Eagles into an early lead. However, she was soon back on the bench after picking up two early fouls.

Durham were also forced into an early change and one that affected their rhythm and plans. New Canadian Sarah Wells having to limp out of the game very early with a nasty looking injury and she was unable to return for the rest of the game.

Klassen also ended on the bench in the first quarter with an injury but she did make it back onto court later with limited minutes. The Eagles were ruthless in taking advantage early on and sparkled throughout the first ten minutes  at both ends of the floor.

Guinn introducing herself to the Eagles fanbase in particular to help spark a home team run that saw them soar into a double digit lead and showcase her obvious scoring talents. By the end of the first period Newcastle had shot into a 24 – 11 lead and The Palatinates were looking for answers.

They though are renowned for being a team that will stick to their game plan and fight hard all the way and they certainly did that in the second period. With ex-Eagles Fernandez and Ori Chukwu-Etu prominent they staged a great fightback to come within two points at 30 – 28.

But another new USA import Kendall Currence came off the bench to good effect and helped by the prompting of creator Saiki the Eagles closed out the period well to take a seven-point lead at 37 – 30 in to the locker rooms at half-time.

One of the factors that would have both pleased and perhaps at the same time concerned Head Coach Newby was that Hatch and Hodges had been restricted in that first twenty minutes. Pleased because his side still led 37 – 30 concerned that they hadn’t got going.

Durham continued their determined efforts into the third period with new signing Shanique Lucas really getting into the flow of the game and driving hard at the Eagles basket. Hodges and Hatch did get going though and Eagles still looked in the ascendency as time ticked on.

Then midway through the quarter another Durham run bookended by successive triples by Katie Bennett suddenly levelled the contest at 46-points apiece. Then after Chloe Gaynor nailed a triple for Eagles, Fernandez and Issy Wood actually gave the visitors their first lead since the game’s opening basket at 50 – 49.

The quarter ended with the sides level at 53 and with ten minutes to play it was anyone’s guess as to how would take the honours although ominously for Durham and encouraging for Newcastle, Hodges was now looking dominant inside.

The powerful USA forward was the catalyst and driver her side needed as they showed experience and know-how in the final quarter. Lowe netted a quick five points and Hatch added a deuce as Eagles opened with a 7 – 0 run to establish themselves once again.

Palatinates rallied to get back within two but Hodges countered with six personal to take the Eagles away from the Palatinates one more time and this time it was decisive with Guinn putting the final dagger into Durham’s hearts with a late triple to seal the win and finish the game off.

So, a win where the game was fiercely contested. The Eagles making a great start and finishing the game superbly with The Palatinates showing great fight and determination in between. In the end a good result for Newcastle with plenty of positives to work on going forward as they continue to look for more cohesion and togetherness as a team and collective.