Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles travel to Sheffield for this evenings Women’s British Basketball League regular season game against a Hatters side that will provide tough opposition.
Despite a mauling last time out at the hands of the Nation’s top side London Lions, new Head Coach Matt Newby travel with hope and purpose as they look to pick up their second win of what is still a fledgling season.
If they do then it would obviously be Newby’s first at the helm of this Newcastle side that is still looking to recruit more players to their roster. But for this clash against a Hatters side that actually defeated Newcastle 92 – 52 in pre-season Newby will go in with the same roster that faced Lions in his first game.
At least though he’s had time with his players to learn from that game and work out strengths and weaknesses as he looks to plot a road win. Assistant Coach Luke Orwin previewed the game which he insists they whole squad is looking forward too.
“We’re all really excited to get back on the court together and build on what we’ve worked on since Matt arrived. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind for everyone so having the opportunity to compete allows us to put the Lions game aside and focus on showing what we’re about now and going forward.”
Orwin is well placed to comment on The League having worked under three Head Coaches as an Assistant in the competition and the toughness of the Sheffield franchise and the keys to the game is something he’s very aware of.
“It’s still all about us at the moment. But we’re expecting to be pressured and to see a physical game particularly at the point guard spot. The offensive systems put in place are looking good and suit our personnel. If we can play at pace and execute we have plenty of threats.”
Threats and systems that Newby has been working hard to instil into his new charges and Orwin is delighted with the way everyone is buying into what Newby has been coaching since his arrival and the changes made.
“Everyone has been very impressed both on and off the court with Matt. There has been a diligent approach to understand where the team is at. From that a very clear direction of where things need to get to.”
“From the intensity of practices to structures being put in place everything is about laying the foundations for when reinforcements arrive. That will them allow this team’s competitiveness to match its and the Club’s ambition.”
Despite being at the end of November this is only the fourth game of the regular season. As Orwin says with new players due to arrive and Newby bedding in more each day, a win at Sheffield, albeit a tough place to go, would be an excellent way to mark that progress.
Fans can watch live on the Women’s British Basketball League YouTube channel from 6pm.
