Recap
Following an impressive home win against Tameside Royal White, the Eagles were taking on an inexperienced and young Leeds team. The away team had struggled all season and the Eagles look to get off to a good start in this game.
The full court man to man pressure worked wonders for the Eagles as turnovers turned into easy scores. The Eagles were giving Leeds no where to go and pushed the score to 13-2 after the initial five minutes. In the second five minutes the Eagles continued their full court pressure and their steals were continuing to reap rewards. After the first quarter the Eagles were up 23-2.
In the second quarter, the Eagles took off their full court press and this allowed Leeds to get more in the game. However, they were still struggling to get through the Eagles defence while the home team was scoring with ease. Some impressive ball movement and cuts gave the Eagles score after score as they lead 41-4 after the initial five minutes of the second quarter. It was much of the same in the second half of the quarter and the Eagles went into the half with a 56-6 lead.
In the second half, it was much of the same with the Eagles showing their superiority at this level. Leeds were not giving up however and fought hard and competed strongly. After three quarters, the Eagles were leading 85-8.
The fourth quarter was a little more of a balanced affair with Leeds getting stuck in on the defensive end and making scores for the Eagles a little more difficult. Both teams traded baskets and Leeds fell a respectable 12-6 in the last quarter. Final score was 97-14 to the Eagles.
It was a tough game for a young and shorthanded Leeds team who came up against a too strong Eagles team. The Eagles remember all too well from a couple weeks ago how tough these games can be when in Leeds position. Leeds played well at times and showed great spirit and teamwork to stick together and put together a very good fourth quarter.
Next up for the Eagles is a crucial and tough home game against second place Manchester Mystics II. The second team from Manchester have only lost to their first team this year and will be a tough test for the Eagles.
Scorers: Judy Eladawy – 21 points, Lauren Bird – 20 points, Yemisi Mefful – 12 points
