Newcastle Eagles go into the huge Derby Super League Basketball Women’s Championship clash with local rivals Durham Palatinates on a high after defeating Leicester Riders on the road in their last league outing.

A win over the Palatinates would move the Eagles to a 7-win 3 loss record and take them into the top three in season’s standings. However, an always solid Durham outfit that boast plenty of talent will see the game as an opportunity to move themselves level with their local rivals with a sixth win.

The stakes are high and the local rivalry will bring added spice. Local girl Rachael Bland has a real understanding of the importance of this game in Newcastle’s calendar.

Newcastle Eagles’ veteran who celebrated her birthday this week has seen many a Tyne-Wear derby and knows what her side needs to do and bring to keep that form and momentum going tonight in the Vertu Motors Arena.

“Leicester was a fantastic performance. From all-round team performances from the players”, said Bland.

“Players that played the majority of the minutes with dogged relentless energy but that carried through to the bench minutes as well.

“It was a huge team performance and credit to the coaching staff for preparing us for the game and the game plan they came up with as well. We were aiming to take the head-to-head off them when we went down there.

“To get not just the win but take the head-to-head was great as it could be important later on in the season when it comes to looking at the play-offs.

“As for the Durham game we just continue to focus on us and what we do. We’ve put in a good solid week of practice.

“We just need to continue that momentum and keeping that hunger within ourselves to want to be better every single day and that’s something that we’re going for. Just one day at a time one game at a time is something that we keep striving for and looking to do.

“Maybe because I’m local there may be a bit of rivalry there. Durham are always competitive as well which makes the game interesting. You want to win out in those types of games and they’re really good games to be part of.

“We do try and push it to the rest of the girls as well. When you’ve come this far in the season it’s always nice to get one over the local rivals. In almost every sport you have a local rivalry so it does make it a little bit extra special.

“But we have to be aware it’s another game too and we will prepare for it exactly the same way we always do but as local girl I may have it in the back of my head that it’s a game I really want to win.

“We need to be ourselves, stick to what we’re good at. Look at our advantages. We have some absolute powerhouse scoring machines and strong defence. Durham like to disrupt quite a lot and have their strengths.

“We need to weather that storm be strong and continue to play our kind of basketball which will be crucial down the line. We want to win every game but especially at home in the Arena. We want out fans to have a great time and ensure that we’re winning for them as well.”

Tip-off for the Saturday night action at the Vertu Motors Arena is at 7:30pm as Derby fever and local pride are at stake on the hardwood floor.

Tickets are available from the box office in advance for the best price and on the door.