Eighteen points and twelve rebounds netted Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles forward Chloe Gaynor the MVP award in last week’s game at Sheffield. It didn’t though help her side to a win as they went down 94 – 78 to a tough Hatters side.
It was though an impressive performance from Gaynor and a really positive overall team performance despite the loss in what was only new Head Coach Matt Newby’s second game in charge.
Gaynor felt them were lots of positives to take from the game that should help them in tonight’s huge Derby clash at the Vertu Motors Arena against local rivals Durham Palatinates.
Gaynor looked back and forward as she previewed a game against a team that Eagles match up well with and are hoping that they can get back to winning ways and give Newby his first win as Head Coach.
“I think the Sheffield game gave us a great foundation to work from with regards to how we’re playing with the new system Coach has put in.”
“We showed a lot of fight with the majority of us playing extended minutes which was encouraging that we could do that against a good team.”
It’s about how The Eagles take that forward into the game against Durham and the challenges the Derby rivals bring as Gaynor explained.
“As a collective we’ve talked about increasing our game shape and making sure we’re fit enough to compete to the best of our abilities for 40 minutes. That’s going to be a huge factor for us moving forward.”
“With the new additions coming in I think it’s about us all starting to gel and get comfortable with each other and our roles on the floor. I’m looking forward to seeing how that develops not only for tonight but the rest of the season too.”
“The Derby at home is always one of my favourite games of the season. Some of the girls at Durham have been together for a number of years now and know each other well and know us well too and that always makes for a competitive match-up.”
“We need to carry that grit, determination and togetherness through that we’ve built our identity on and couple it with being locked in for 40 minutes, executing what Coach has given us.”
Gaynor mentioned that the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles have made additions to their roster. Ex-Cardiff Met Archer Point Guard Lauren Saiki who led the Women’s British Basketball League in assists last season has been announced.
Saiki will make her debut tonight with Newby and the back office working tremendously hard to have the paperwork completed to allow another so far unnamed addition included. Gaynor is delighted with both signings.
“Lauren has proven herself as a top point guard in this league from her seasons at Cardiff. She’s someone that who every coach will be well aware of with regards to the impact she has on the floor.”
“Our other signing is also going to have a huge impact for us with her ability to play at multiple positions and rebounding prowess. I’m certainly excited to get to play with both of them.”
Finally, Gaynor had a few thoughts to how the existing players have adapted to their new Coaches style.
“It think Matt has come in and done a great job with the team making an effort to get to know us as people as well as players. I can personally already see the benefits in my own game and the style he preaches suits my game well.”
“When we get in the flow it’s an exciting brand of basketball that fans will love to watch and players love to play.”
Tonight’s game tips off at 7:30pm and with a potential new look roster to watch for the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles it’s a mouthwatering prospect indeed.
Tickets for ‘The Derby’ are available on the box office and on the door. Fans unable to make it to the Vertu Motors Arena can watch live on the Women’s British Basketball League YouTube channel from 7:25pm.
