Esh Group Eagles Newcastle used another balanced offensive display to despatch Sheffield Sharks 87-78 on Friday and make this their best-ever start to a BBL Championship season.

The all-conquering Eagles’ previous best was an 8-1 record through nine games, but 21 points from Scott Martin, 20 from Rahmon Fletcher and another 19 from Charles Smith off the bench made it nine wins from nine.

Sharks had fought back from 16 points down in the first half to lead 53-52 midway through the third following a 6-0 spurt.

But Drew Lasker responded with a three-pointer to spark a 14-1 run to swing the game back in the favour of the reigning champions.

Antone Robinson impressed once again for Atiba Lyons’ side with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double as Jerrold Brooks had 10 points and 10 assists.

But Eagles’ efficiency and depth were the difference as they took full control of the contest late on.

Fab Flournoy’s side will aim to extend their perfect league start to 10 games at Manchester Giants on Sunday while Sharks slip to a 3-5 record.