Newcastle Eagles head down south to take on the Oaklands Wolves on Saturday evening currently sitting fourth in the SLBW standings. A placing that would get them a coveted home quarter final place in the end of season play-offs.

But with Saturday’s game and a home encounter to follow against Caledonia Gladiators next weekend to come it’s going to be tough as both teams are above the Eagles in the standings. However, Head Coach Chloe Gaynor’s side are in great form.

Last weekend’s dramatic 59-58 win over Nottingham was their fourth win in succession a statistic that has created a good mood within the camp as Gaynor explained as she previewed the game.

“I think we can take confidence from the fact that we have been able to get wins without some key personnel for us. The fact that they were also must wins for us, in a short space of time can give us momentum headed into the game.”

Those four wins have all been gained whilst still having to deal with the adversity of not having a full roster to call on. But somehow the team have found a way to win as Gaynor outlined.

“The group have been pretty resilient all year in dealing with injuries and varying personnel available for each game. This game is no different it’s a must win for us to finish 4th and ultimately, we’re going to have to be even tougher and more resilient in order to get the job done.”

“The message has been pretty clear that we have to put together 40 minutes of fight and toughness in order to get the win. At no point in the game can we be complacent or lack purpose and I think the team are excited for the opportunity ahead of them.”

Newcastle have already played Wolves twice this season losing in the League at home 66-57 and then down in St. Albans in the SLB Cup 79-56. As Gaynor reflected on that it shows how hard this game will be for the Eagles.

“Oaklands is a notoriously tough place to play, and they have a solid roster with depth so we’re aware of what they can do, especially after our previous results with them. But we’re also aware of our capabilities.”

“We’ve already experienced how difficult it is to play them on their own court. So, we have to be ready from the jump and that’s what I’ve asked the team to lean into this week.”

As ever Gaynor concluded by giving her thoughts on what the keys to the game are for her players as they look to take what would be a very crucial win should they achieve it.

“The main key is the fight. We have to essentially play this game like it’s a playoff game if we want to take a home playoff. We have to limit Oaklands transition play and have disciplined defence.”

“Offensively we must go with intent and purpose whilst committing to non-negotiables on both ends of the floor.”

The game at Oaklands College SportsZone, St. Albans tips-off at 5pm and by the end of a vital 40 minutes Gaynor and her players will have a much clearer view of where they may finish in the play-off race.

The game is free to watch live on YouTube.