Newcastle Eagles return home to the Vertu Motors Arena for a Saturday night 7:30pm tip-off in the Super League Basketball Women’s Championship. Their opponents are reigning Women’s domestic Champions London Lions. But this is a vastly different Lions side this season that The Eagles face.

Four Championship fixtures and four heavy defeats have followed two big losses in their Trophy Group games to give the previously all-conquering London ladies a very sobering start to the season. The Eagles and new Head Coach Chloe Gaynor will be looking to continue The Lions misery.

Gaynor’s Eagles go into the game on the back of a superb 88 – 78 road win at Manchester last weekend in the Championship in what was Gaynor’s first game in charge. It could hardly have gone any better as the newly installed play-caller commented whilst previewing to night’s game.

“Before the game I was just looking for us to have a really positive start as I was very much aware that it would be the building block for the rest of the season. The girls were really hungry to play and they were willing.”

“We knew Manchester were a tough team with the money they’ve spent and the players they’ve brought in this season. I think we weren’t too sure about us as we approached the game. But in the end it was an example of what this team does. When backs are against the wall they come through.”

“Manchester flew out. Two in transition and then a three and I though ‘okay’ but then the girls sort of looked around, looked at each other and thought ‘right we’re going now’. Once that engine kicked in I felt comfortable knowing that they had it handled.”

“Even when Manchester came back strong in the third and we took a time-out they re-grouped, rallied and went out to be the best version of themselves and made a really crucial run and I was really pleased with everyone that we were able to respond that way.”

The Eagles got full-on committed performances from everyone that stepped on court but the performances of USA import rookies Jada Guinn and Kendall Currence perhaps stood out as the others played around them fulfilling their roles.

“The team has grown a lot over the last few weeks with everything that has been thrown at them. We sat down as a team and identified that we had a lot of days to look at our psychology before that Manchester game both players and support staff.”

“The team stuck together focused on finding that identity and the strengths of each other. Being able to play freely was something we wanted to do to enable everyone to play to their own strengths and look after each other.”

“Kendall and Jada did a great job of being aggressive getting downhill and doing what they do well and that was great to see as was the way the more established players reacted to it and supported them so well. It was without doubt a very pleasing all-round result.”

What Gaynor and her players have to do is carry that on and show the same kind of commitment, desire and togetherness ensuring that they don’t underestimate a winless Lions side.

“I think this League is wild and whatever shows up on paper never shows up on what the paper says. But we have to look at it as a good opportunity for us all to get used to a different way of working, finding our rhythm, finding our ourselves and continuing to build that connectivity we’re looking for.”

“We’ll take nothing for granted and will be ready and focused. We’re looking forward to playing in front of our great fans at the Arena and hopefully giving them a performance that they can enjoy.”

Tickets are still available, but selling fast, from the box office.