On ‘All Hallows Eve’ the Rebels charged, and the Eagles soared and what transpired was a thriller for all that saw it. Newcastle just nudging over the line in a game where there were thrills and spills from first buzzer to the last.

Sometimes during a football game, the pundits will describe an end-to-end game as ‘like a basketball’ match when in reality those with a basketball knowledge know it is usually a game of runs. This one though was exactly what it said on the tin, a basketball match.

Metaphorical punches and counter punches were thrown by both sides as they vied for supremacy and the final result going down the stretch was anyone’s guess. It would have been a brave punter that bet on whatever the outcome was going to be.

But in the end, it was Newcastle who held their nerve at the death with ‘JK’ Johnson staying calm under intense pressure to sink three free-throws from four attempts inside the final 40 seconds of an exhilaratingly exciting contest to get the Eagles over the line.

Claire Paxton’s triple right on the game buzzer meaning the final score line was as close as you can come but ultimately not enough for the home side to take the win.

The biggest lead either side had during the game was seven points which the Eagles managed twice in the third period. The first time at 58 – 51 and then again at 60 – 53. Essex’s biggest lead coming in the final quarter when they led 72 – 67.

The quarter scores were shared. Both sides taking two each but again never by more than three points emphasising the closeness of the contest throughout. It certainly was a game for the neutral for sure as those in either camp had their nerves shredded at times.

Eagles jumped out early with Raven Thompson hitting a triple and Nala Williams making two free-throws to give their side a 5 – 0 start. But any thoughts that they were about to establish a position of authority were soon dismissed as Essex came thundering back.

It was tit-for-tat from their until a late Eagles 7 – 2 run, a triple from Thompson, a deuce from Maddy Hinton and two more free-throws from Williams gave Eagles the first period at 23 – 20. Williams continued her good form in the second and was aided and abetted by Johnson.

But Lara Rohkohl on her way to a massive 35-point 16 rebound double-double and Claire Paxton who netted 16 personal kept the Rebels in touch in a fiercely contested second ten minutes. The home side taking the period 20 – 18 to trail by a single point at the half.

Williams and Johnson were both in double figures by that stage and in the third were joined at the party by Hinton who knocked down shot after shot and contributed 13 big points in an excellent third period showing. Eagles taking the quarter by a single point in the end.

It opened a two-point gap as the sides entered the final dramatic ten minutes with once again neither backing down or allowing the other to run away. Essex made the first move and got up by five points at one stage, but Eagles did not go away and gradually turned things around.

They turned that five-point deficit into a four-point lead with those free-throws from Johnson giving them just the gap they needed to ensure Paxton’s late, late triple was a mere consolation bucket. So near for the home side but not enough as the Eagles held on for a dramatic win.

Eagles were led by the game MVP Jakayla Johnson who had 24 points 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Nala Williams had 19 points 9 rebounds and 4 steals. Maddy Hinton continuing to show her worth to Newcastle also netting 19 points with 7 rebounds thrown in.

The top three given great support from Captain Alex Campbell who scored 9 points and Raven Thompson with 6 points, 6 rebounds and Polly Storie with 6 points, 5 rebounds.

On a night when Eagles had to play without the injured Cordasia Harris and the continuing absence of Nat Cernohorska all contributions were gratefully received from a stretched Eagles roster who made the long journey home much more bearable with such an important win.

Gaynor’s side are back at home next Saturday night in the Vertu Arena against Manchester Basketball and tickets are available from the box office now.

The special edition gold third kit for the club’s 30th anniversary is available to pre-order on the club shop until tonight, Sunday 1 November.