Newcastle Eagles produced a stunning performance on the road at Leicester on Saturday night to take a crucial 83 – 74 victory.

It was a result that lifted them to a 6 wins 3 losses record and into the top four of the league standings.

It also avenged the opening League game loss in Newcastle where Leicester had prevailed in overtime by four points. This nine-point win for head coach Chloe Gaynor’s side giving the Eagles the head-to-head in the league series which could be vital in the end of season standings.

Unsurprisingly Eagles were led by the 1-2 punch of their star scoring duo Tierra Hodges and Jada Guinn who both had massive games. Hodges a superb double-double of 23 points and 17 rebounds with 4 steals thrown in. Guinn with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.

Eagles were without third top scorer Kendall Currence through a hip injury and needed others to step up to support Hodges and Guinn and they duly got that from their teammates with Zoe Willis in particular coming off the bench with great purpose and impact to net 14 points along with 4 rebounds.

Add in crucial contributions from starters Lauren Saiki, Abby Lowe and Shannon Hatch and another crucial bench contribution from Sarah Birkett alongside Lyric Swann and it all added up to a superb all-round team performance that got them over the line.

The first quarter was tight until with the score tied at 12 points each Eagles made a big 10 – 0 run inspired by Lowe, Saiki and Guinn to take a decisive lead into the second period. They took their lead to 12 points at one stage before a Riders fightback and 9 – 1 run closed the gap to four at the half.

Leicester continued that momentum into the third period and Eagles were temporarily knocked off their stride as a 14 points to 4 home run actually saw Riders turn the game around. Birkett came off the bench for Newcastle and helped Eagles steady and then really fly.

They ended the period with an excellent 14 points to 1 run with Hodges in particular showing her power but all contributing to once again see them go well in front and establish a nine-point lead to take into the final quarter.

With Willis showing real form and scoring power the Eagles consolidated and increased the gap up to 14 points at one stage and although Riders did try to hit back it was too little too late and Gaynor’s side held on comfortably in the end.

Gaynor was delighted with her players and the way they’d gone about their business. Pointing out what pleased her with the win, commenting on how big it was and where she felt her side had achieved it.

“Seeing the togetherness of the squad in celebrating the little wins and problem solving”, said Gaynor.

“The way they responded after the timeout in the 3rd to change gears and regain the lead.

“Obviously Tierra was tremendous yesterday but I think the contributions of Zoe and Sarah off of the bench particularly were massive for us.

“That combined with us picking up the tempo in the 3rd and 4th quarter.

“I think after losing the home game at the start of the season it was particularly important to get this win.

“Leicester away is always a tough game and so getting these wins on the road against teams who have always been in and around the top half of the table is super important for our season goals.”

The women are next in action at home on Saturday 14 February in the North East Derby against Durham and tickets to be there are available from the box office.