Newcastle Eagles gave a defensive masterclass on Friday night in The Vertu Arena to help complete an impressive 82 – 55 win over Surrey 89ers. In doing so they moved to a 4-win 2 loss record for the SLB season so far and a share of second place in the standings.

An important win that sends them into Sunday afternoon’s game at Liverpool Basketball in good heart and with confidence high. They will need that against a physical Liverpool side who are the SLB’s newest franchise after joining for this campaign.

Friday’s win was another solid all-round team performance with all players contributing vital performances. Not least was Aussie guard Mitch Clarke who had 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from the bench.

“It was a really good game. Defensively we really put down our marker. Last week we were disappointed in how we played against Manchester and felt like it was a disappointing loss,” said Clarke.

“We didn’t give ourselves a chance in that game. So, we came to right our wrongs and put a show on for the home fans.”

Conceding only 55-points in a 40-minute game is always going to give you a real chance of taking a victory and defensive standards are something that so far this season the Eagles are really bringing to the court.

Clarke continued: “That’s what this team is built on. If we can hold teams to say under 75 points and make it really hard for them defensively, we should be in the game no matter what.

“That’s what were trying to build ourselves on. We had a blip last week and hopefully we don’t have another one again.”

Clarke is part of a three-guard rotation along with Blondeau Tchoukuiegno and Tavis Smith in the backcourt this is really starting to show great chemistry. The Aussie is enjoying his role alongside his teammates.

“I’m trying to embrace that off the bench role. Whatever Marc wants for me,” the guard added.

“I like to see what’s happening in the game and seeing what the team needs when I come out there. Sometimes it’s bring a bit of pace and energy.”

“Sometimes it’s slowing the game down and executing a little bit more. I’m enjoying the role. We’ve got two really talented guys on the court to start the game, and I think all three of us are starting to find our chemistry together.”

“We all bring something different to the table. Pistol is an out and out scorer. He’s fast and hard to defend. Blondeau is very composed. He can score the ball he can pass. Defensively both of them are picking up full court hard.”

“I’m just trying to fit in around them and trying to play off the gravity they draw as they are such talented players.”

Sunday will be a big test for the Eagles. It’s Liverpool’s opening home game of their SLB career and local and Club initiatives means it’s a special day in front of a reported 8,500 spectators.

“It’s going to be amazing. It’s great to have a Liverpool franchise in the League,” Clarke continued.

‘We haven’t really put much thought into the game. Obviously though now our attention turns that way.”

“It’s a really exciting opportunity. We’re really lucky we get to play that first home game with them. Hopefully, it’s a good day for us but that it draws a lot of fans to their games in the future.”

Tip-off at the M&S Bank Arena on Sunday is at 4:00pm and the game is free to watch live on DAZN.