Recap

 DONCASTER EAGLES 102 VS NEWCASTLE EAGLES II 82

Q1 – Doncaster Eagles 31 – Newcastle Eagles II 15

An opening 3 pointer for Newcastle suggested we weren’t nervous facing one of the leagues in form teams, however our early belief was soon tested as a strong, physical, talented and well organised Doncaster side found their rhythm and played with a confidence we couldn’t match to take a 16-point lead at the end of Q1.

Q2 – Doncaster Eagles 53 – Newcastle Eagles II 40

As in our last away game an increase in Newcastle’s intensity at the start of Q2 resulted in a much closer game. Again, we cut out the turnovers, pressed higher up the court and this time also mixed up the shooting attempts. Unfortunately, the height advantage for Doncaster meant that even when they started to miss shots, rebounds were predominantly offensive, and points were still scored enabling them to maintain a decent lead going into half time even though Newcastle won the quarter by 3.

Q3 – Doncaster Eagles 73 – Newcastle Eagles II 61

A similar pattern of play to the second quarter, had each team scoring but unable to restrict the opposition. Newcastle’s defensive rebounding continued to cause them problems, but their willingness to work hard meant they made up for it in other areas of the court and managed to edge the quarter by 1 point.

Q4 – Doncaster Eagles 102 – Newcastle Eagles II 82

Some quick breaks and baskets at the start of the 4th saw Doncaster extend their lead and change their whole team with the game almost won. This though shifted the momentum of the game to Newcastle and their continued effort and determination was rewarded as the scores edged closer. Sensing Newcastle were full of confidence Doncaster countered by changing the entire team again and a strong 5 managed the end of the game really well, dominating rebounds and exploiting the space behind Newcastle who were pushing forward for points with quick transition baskets to give them a lead of 20 points at the final whistle. It’s no disgrace to lose to this Doncaster side. They’re 6 from 6, so clearly a good team and full of confidence. We can be proud of our effort and determination. We scored a good mix of shots, got a good share of turnovers and never gave up.