There’s no doubting that Head Coach Chloe Gaynore and her new-look 2025/26 face a tough challenge in the opening home game of the new season. The visiting B. Braun Sheffield Hatters are one of the pre-season favourites for honours this season.

Sunday’s forthcoming Betty Cordona SLB Trophy Group game between the two sides at The Vertu Motors Arena looks intriguing as well as a potential blockbuster of an opening game to treat all hoops fanatics.

After last week’s excellent 66 – 55 pre-season win against Caledonia Gladiators on the road, Gaynor is not getting carried away whilst previewing the match-up against The Hatters but was pleased with the afternoon’s work for her new charges.

“I think we have to be realistic in knowing that it was a preseason game and that both teams will continue to improve, but I was very pleased with last Sunday’s game and how the team set the standard for themselves”, said Gaynor.

After that win Gaynor was looking to build upon it with a solid week of practice going into a tough game to start the season at home. But it hasn’t been all plain sailing.

“Being upfront, we’ve had some challenges this week with regards to off court issues around licenses”, Newcastle’s player-coach added.

“But I think given all of that, the team have responded well and have still practiced with the same competitiveness, professionalism and intensity that we have come to expect from this group already.

Scouting teams’ early season is never easy but despite that Gaynor is aware of the quality and depth The Hatters possess.

Hatters recruited well bringing in ex-Eagles stand-out forward Antoinette Lewis from season 2022/23 and highly regarded USA rookie guard Cheyenne Stubbs from Utah State.

“Sheffield are an historically successful team in this league and yet again have returned a strong core group from last season’s roster”, said the Eagles play-caller.

“We’re aware of their threat from the 3pt line and it has to be a priority for us to make them less effective beyond the arc.

“The team have been waiting to get out in front of the fans at the Vertu Motors Arena.

“There’s no place like it in the country and the team have spoken about how excited they are to play their first home game.”

The game tips-off at 4:30pm this afternoon with tickets still available on the box office.