Newcastle Eagles women’s team face a long journey south to the University of Essex, Colchester on Saturday for their afternoon clash against the Essex Rebels in yet another crucial SLB Championship match-up.
Last time out before the international window the Eagles had a superb 86-62 road win over Manchester. That win lifted Head Coach Chloe Gaynor’s side to a 7-win 4 loss record in the standings. Essex are currently on 8 wins and 4 losses showing how vital Saturday’s game is.
The break has given Gaynor and her players time to recharge and reflect as she explained as she previewed the road trip ahead and she explained the effect that game and win over Manchester has had on the team.
“Practice has been positive. We’ve had better intensity and have spoken clearly about how we want to attack this game.”
“Manchester was the best performance we’ve had this season and we’ve spoken consistently over the last two weeks as to how we consistently produce that level of performance. We’ve had a lot to contend with injury wise, and a lot that you cannot plan for.”
“But we’ve spoken a lot about playing to our potential no matter what the circumstances in front of us are and I thought that Manchester was the first time I’ve truly seen us commit to that, and I’m really pleased and proud that we have taken that first step.”
Consistency is a word a lot of basketball coaches use when discussing their team’s goals and it’s something all teams strive to achieve. The Eagles are right in the mix for a top four finish and need to build on their last game.
Essex are a team in their sights as they look to continue to progress. The Rebels were actually Newcastle’s first SLB Championship game of the season. A great effort from the Eagles saw them take a 92-73 home win. But that game was back on the 1st of November as Gaynor pointed out.
“That game was and is important with regards to league table, but with regards to the weekends game, there has been a lot of basketball played between now and the last time we saw them.”
“So, we have to take the game at face value and play the team in front of us. Essex are very good offensively and have multiple threats that we have to be aware of.”
There’s no doubting though if the Eagles can get a win against a team in and around their own placings it would be a big string to their bow as Gaynor outlined.
“A win at Essex would be significant for us as they are a team that is with us fighting for that top 4 spot. Taking both wins against them would be very beneficial when it comes to the end of the season standings.”
As ever Gaynor concluded with what she feels are the keys to the game for her side and what she feels they need to do if they are to get what would be a very important win.
“Keys to the game for us is obviously slowing down their offensive output, particularly in transition they have been very dangerous. That and as always, trying to be the best version of ourselves we can be on the day. Disciplined & determined!”
Saturday’s game tips off at 4:00pm at the University of Essex and it’s going to be a tight encounter between two sides looking to make strides up the SLB Championship table.
The action is free to watch live on the SLB YouTube channel.
