Newcastle Eagles are right on track for their desired spot in the playoffs after a railroad win down in London. They let the train take the strain as club sponsors Lumo allowed them a trouble-free journey that helped them take a capital victory and further enhance their league standing.

Another game where Eagles had to play short-handed and through adversity. But this team seemingly has a toughness togetherness and a commitment to each other that always seems to get them through. This game was another example of that.

Once again Andrea Daley put in a superstar performance with 35 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the team. Shanique Lucas, Sarah Wells and Jada Dapaa were all in double figures but in truth everyone who stepped on court played their part with vital contributions.

In the absence of Alyssa Marin, Harriett Ottewill-Soulsby, and Maria Mongomo even Head Coach Chloe Gaynor donned her playing kit and became a player/coach once again. Only two points in a shade under five minutes played but her side were +13 when she was on court.

There were some massive disparities in the game. Eagles going to the free-throw line 36 times and netting 33 of them whilst London only had eight free-throws. A measure of the two teams’ discipline on the night. Lions having three players foul out by the end of the forty minutes.

London shot well from three-point range with 17 made from 33 attempted. Newcastle by comparison were only 3 of 15 from beyond the arc. But those 33 free-throws were added to by 56 points in the paint and a rebounding performance that saw them outboard Lions 48-26.

However, statistics whilst always saying something cannot attribute and account to the commitment and effort that teams put in on the court along with the heart and desire to win. London gave it a good shot, but Eagles were simply better all-round on the night.

After an early Lions lead at 15-9 Gaynor’s side gradually got into the game and outscored their hosts 16-8 to take the first period by 25-23. It had been free flowing high-octane offence from both sides and a superbly contested first ten minutes.

The second period also went the way of the Eagles but again narrowly as Lions stayed within touching distance throughout. Eagles though showing their mettle and perhaps better game management to edge the quarter 26-22 and take a five-point half-time lead into the locker room.

They kept driving and kept getting their rewards for their bravery with trips to the free-throw line and they kept knocking down the charity stripe looks. Once again, a titanic ten-minutes ensued but Newcastle also once again just edged it 27-25 giving them an 8-point cushion for the final quarter.

Parity was all that was needed although ice in their veins was also required as they held their nerve and discipline down the stretch. Every time London threatened there was an Eagle in place to ensure that they remained focus as they managed the game for the full forty minutes.

No quarter taken off this time like the last couple of games. Had they done that they might well have been travelling back up to Newcastle in more sombre mood. But they didn’t, they showed a mental toughness to see the last ten minutes out and take a crucial and vital victory.

It takes the Eagles to a 10-win 5 loss record which is the same as Essex Rebels. But as Newcastle have the head-to-head over the Rebels, they leapfrogged their play-off rivals to move into that coveted 4th place and the possibility of a home quarter-final game.

Quite how much the game has taken out of Gaynor and her players is anybody’s guess. What we do know is there’s little chance of respite with another game coming up inside 48 hours. Nottingham Wildcats the visitors to the Vertu Arena on Saturday night for a 7:30pm tip-off.

A tough turnaround indeed for the Eagles but a great chance also to cement that 4th place if they can take another win in front of their faithful fans in another vital SLBW Championship game.

Tickets for Saturday night’s home clash against Nottingham are available to book from the box office.