The dawning of a new era in Women’s British basketball sees Newcastle Eagles open their Women’s Super League Basketball Betty Cordona Trophy campaign up in Scotland this afternoon.

It’s going to be a tough opener for head coach Matt Newby’s side against a Caledonia Gladiators side that many are tipping to be the team to beat this season. Newby whilst completely recognising that fact is also looking forward to seeing how his new team copes.

It’s been a summer of recruitment and preparation for the Head Coach’s first full season in charge of The Eagles’ women and he’s looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“I think for the most part the recruitment has come together well,” said Newby.

“It’s like any season that ultimately when your tried and tested you see the fruits of your labour. I think it helps that we’re going out against the highly touted Caledonia team.

“For me it’s important that you get your biggest tests at the start of the season and they certainly will be that.

“I think there’s a good mood in our camp. They all genuinely like each other and they’re all getting on and challenging each other which you want as well. But so far the on-court off-court relationships have been fine.”

Newby after coming in November last year led his side all the way to the End of Season Play-off Final which ended in a defeat to powerhouse London Lions. But it gave him and the franchise a taste for more this campaign.

“Expectations will be high. Every time you make a champagne run like that it puts pressure on the what’s next. I think that’s important. That level of pressure is a privilege and we need to challenge ourselves to be competitive again.”

Without the powerful backing that London had last and in previous seasons it makes the Super League Basketball look more open this season with opportunities for all. Newby has been keeping a watchful eye on how teams have been coming together.

“The market has been interesting this summer. A few girls had excellent seasons and were maybe looking to jump into Europe but there are some notable returnees. We obviously played Sheffield in pre-season and they’ve ramped things up again.

“They look tough. Word on the street is that Manchester will be very different this season. I think there’s definitely a more balanced league. Also there have been some strong moves from teams that were on the periphery last year.”

Results and performances in pre-season can often be misleading and the reality is often different to the preparation.

“Every coach approaches it differently. Some will be checking and challenging their offences and defences. Some will be trying to forge a stronger opinion on certain players and/or certain combinations,” Newby added.

“I think for me Oaklands have amped it up again and that’s another team that has definitely invested. It’ll be interesting for sure.

“I’m happy that we get this straight shot at what could be the #1 team in the country so we’ll see how it goes, give it our full attention and then analyse the result and the performance afterwards to see how we move forward.”

Tip-off at the Playsport Arena, East Kilbride for the game this afternoon is at 4pm.