Plymouth University Raiders v Newcastle Eagles, Sunday 6th October
Plymouth University Raiders’ coach Jay Marriott is trying to transfer practice performances into games ahead of Sunday’s visit from Esh Group Eagles Newcastle. Raiders slipped to defeat at home to London Lions in their first game last Sunday while Eagles eased to 2-0 with wins over Durham Wildcats and Cheshire Phoenix.
However, Marriott’s men are only just getting to know each other. He said: “As a team we are still trying to mesh new additions, which in practice can go very smoothly, but in game intensity can mean another thing.
“I’m not going to make judgments based of one performance, once we settle down you will see exactly how good we can be. For me it is about making sure players’ roles are more defined and we quicken our pace. We were very lethargic against the Lions which hurt me the most.”

 Eagles have several new signings too, including former Raider, Drew Lasker. But Marriott already knows what to expect from Fab Flournoy and co.

“Newcastle have added some exciting new additions and Coach Flournoy never takes anything less than a trophy-laden season,” said Marriott.

“Anything less than our best and we will be in big trouble. That being said, when our guys click and become one I am very confident against any team in this league.”


Last time they met:

Esh Group Eagles Newcastle 71 Plymouth University Raiders 76 (BBL Championship, Sport Central, 15/03/2013)

What they say:


Raiders big Shane Walker  “From day one Newcastle is recognised as one of the best teams in the league. So as a player this is one of those games you really get up for. Hopefully with our youth we can speed up the game and make some of their veteran players as uncomfortable as possible. I personally am looking to be an imposing force on defence and use my athleticism to cause problems for their bigs on both ends of the floor.”

Eagles guard Drew Lasker: “We have some big team goals this season and I would be doing my team-mates an injustice if I allowed this game to be more important than any other game. Everyone on this team can score at any given time. We don’t need to rely on one guy to get points especially if we allow our defence to create our offence like we showed in the Cheshire game.”