The Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles face a long trip today to take on the red-hot in-form Essex Rebels at the University of Essex in Colchester in another crucial League encounter. The Eagles looking for another win to cement their play-off position and possible even improve it.

Newcastle currently sit in sixth place in the table with 5 wins and 8 losses. A reasonable record given their injury and frequent roster changes but one they feel doesn’t reflect the quality and potential of their squad.

It won’t be easy though against a Rebels side that sit fourth in the standings having won seven-in-a-row for a nine wins three loses record. This Essex side have looked impressive all season under the astute leadership of Head Coach Ashley Cookson.

They have invested strongly in their set-up and recruited well. In Katherine Tudor they have a player that averages 18.5 points a game and shoots the 3-ball at 41.1%. A really dangerous opponent.

Her main support coming from Dayzsha Rogan at over 15 points a game and Darcy Kay Rees who nets 13.6 points a game. But in reality this is a Rebels side that goes deep into their bench and are in fine form this season.

Newcastle will go into the game buoyed by last weekend’s 72 – 69 victory at home over Nottingham Wildcats. Head Coach Matt Newby would have been encouraged by that win and in particular his side’s performance through the first three quarters.

Those periods had seen his side lead by as many as 21-points at one stage. The Wildcats making a remarkable comeback in the final period to actually take the lead at one point but the Eagles rallied showed great character and came out with a vital win.

Newby and his players know they have to be consistent in their performance and ensure that it’s 40-minutes all-in this afternoon if they are to get anything from the game. They will travel without injured USA Forward Jada Dapaa who was just starting to look influential for Newcastle before picking up an unfortunate practice session injury.

The Eagles though still have power and scoring punch particularly with All-Star forward Tierra Hodges who averages 22 points per game. Hodges will be looking to teammates Katie Nolan, Captain Marina Fernandez and Abby Lowe for her main support.

But they are under no illusion at the size of their task as the face this strong Rebels line-up with the game tipping off at 4pm.