It was a tough night for the Newcastle Eagles on Saturday in the Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield. They had travelled on the back of three straight losses to play a Hatters opponent that actually had the same 5 wins 2 losses Championship record.

There was hope that with Jada Dapaa having another week of practice and Andrea Daley looking much sharper than the previous week in the SLB Cup loss at Oaklands that Newcastle might have gotten something out of the game.

Hatters were many pundits pre-season tip to be one of the dominant forces in the SLBW this season and have qualifies for next month’s Trophy Final as well as making a decent start in Championship play. But the Eagles also had made a similar start and were looking to return to winning ways.

Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out that way. Sheffield dominating from virtually the first tip to the final buzzer and recording a comprehensive victory of their North East rivals. Eagles struggled on the boards and were outrebounded during the game 41-30 despite having Dapaa and Daley.

Too many turnovers were also costly as they conceded the ball on 26 occasions and only had six assists all night to counteract that. They did force Hatters into 21 turnovers of their own but Sheffield also had 27 assists and scored freely in three of the four quarters.

The home side starting the game well with nine unanswered points before Zoe Willis got Newcastle on the score board with two free throws. Newcastle did rally after that early onslaught from Sheffield and got more competitive with Maria Mongomo and Sarah Wells both netting for the visitors.

But Hatters were still well in control and took the first ten-minute period 24-11. Wells hit another triple for Newcastle early in the second quarter but Sheffield responded with a 12-0 burst to take total control of the contest.

Every time Newcastle did manage a score it seemed as Sheffield doubled it and by the end of the second ten minutes they’d increased their lead to 52-24 as the sides went to the locker rooms to talk things over.

Eagles’ response was good in the third period, especially Daley’s. The star USA forward scored an incredible 17-points in the quarter including all 11 of a Newcastle 11-0 run that actually showed the spirit and character of Gaynor’s side. The visitors having their best period with 13-23 quarter win.

It meant they went into the final ten minutes of the game down by 18-points at 65-47. They then continued to battle and match Hatters in the early going of that last quarter but couldn’t put together a run to get them closer.

As time ticked down fatigue set-in. Eagles again nowhere near full strength and a short bench just could not keep their third quarter momentum running. Alex Campbell who has been improving every week and become a vital part of Gaynor’s rotation the one to miss this game for the Eagles.

It meant Sheffield used their fresher legs to great effect. A final 15-2 run giving the home side an impressive ending to the game and a very comfortable thirty-point victory on the night. For Newcastle it’s another of those regroup reassess moments.

They face Manchester Basketball at home in the Vertu Arena next Saturday night and will be looking once again to bounce back to winning ways. Tickets are available now on the box office.