Esh Group Eagles Newcastle continued their unbeaten start to the season after claiming a 91-63 win over Leeds Force in their first home game.

Darius Defoe led the way with a season-best of 18 points as the Eagles completed a successful double header for the weekend.

The Eagles made a fast start and raced into a 10-4 lead early on and never looked back. After a short delay, the home side went on to lead 26-20 at the end of a high-scoring first quarter.

The gap between the two kept growing in the second period and Newcastle would double their advantage to take a 50-38 cushion into the half-time interval.

The visitors kept battling and did manage to cut the gap back into single figures, only for the Eagles to go on an 11-0 run to close the third at 69-51. Another strong quarter saw the winning margin soar to 28 with Fab Flournoy’s side now moving clear at the top.

For Leeds, it was their third loss in as many league games as their wait for a first league win this season continues. Clayfell Harris top scored for the visitors with 14 points with Darrell Bethune and Zak Wells also reaching double figures.