A quite magnificent second-half comeback with a defensive masterclass enabled Newcastle Eagles to turn what at half-time looked like a loss into a stunning win on the road in Manchester on Sunday evening.

In doing so they took their SLB Betty Cordona Group stage record to 2 Wins and 1 loss from their three played games so far. A win at home against Caledonia Gladiators in their final group game on Sunday 19^th October will see Chloe Gaynor’s side qualify for the semi-finals of The Trophy.

That would be a quite remarkable achievement from this Eagles side who had lost their opening Group game to Sheffield by 30-points. But two wonderful bounce back wins on consecutive weekends have seen them right back in the qualification picture.

What is even more commendable from Gaynor, all her backroom staff and especially her players is how her Eagles have flown in the face of adversity. Visa issues and niggling injuries have meant that Gaynor has been unable so far to run the roster she’s recruited.

Once again for the trip to Manchester, Natalie Cernohorska was unable to take to court plus influential captain and returning star forward Jada Dapaa also missed out. Both though were present on the bench to provide vocal support to their teammates and really led the cheering from the sidelines.

Along with those that took to the floor this group of Eagles are already showing tremendous togetherness, a willingness to stand up for each other, sheer grit and determination and an unbelievable never-say-die attitude. Oh, and they can play basketball as well!

All the Eagles starters got into double figures in scoring with Andrea Daley continuing to light it up with her powerhouse inside presence whether it was scoring the ball or pulling down rebounds as she led her team in scoring and took the MVP honours on the day.

Maria Mongomo showed that ‘X-Factor’ ability nailing three triples in her second top scoring effort that highlighted how her European playing experience could be crucial to the Eagles cause this season. Sarah Wells, Shanique Lewis and Alyssa Marin also all showing their abilities at this level.

From the bench player/coach Gaynor, Sarah Birkett and especially Captain on the day Zoe Willis all playing significant roles in helping the starters get rests when needed and adding their supporting play in the win. Willis’ efforts in particular in the second half not going unnoticed.

After Wells got the game scoring started for Newcastle with a deuce, Manchester ripped off the next eight points to take an early lead. Maaja Bratka and Frannie Hottinger leading the way and looking the main dangers to the visitors.

Newcastle though hung tough in the opening ten minutes twice levelling the scores at 15 and then 17-points all. But a late home run 5 to 2 meant it was Manchester that shaded the opening quarter by three points.

The second period was tough going indeed for Gaynor’s team as their opposition locked them down and took advantage of some sloppy turnovers from the Eagles players as a little bit of game management had to be introduced by Gaynor and her coaches to avoid foul trouble.

It meant a big ten minutes for the home side who stormed into a double-digit lead and actually led by as many as sixteen points at one stage 42 to 26. A huge 22 – 10 period left Eagles rocked as they headed to the locker room to talk things over.

Often what is said in the sanctity of those walls works and often it doesn’t. But clearly whatever wisdom was imparted and shared amongst themselves during the break, it worked. Newcastle were simply a different team in the second twenty minutes.

Defensively they were immense as Manchester were made to look sterile with the Eagles swarming all over them forcing turnovers and contesting every shot. As is often inevitable in Basketball good defence breeds offensive transition and buckets a-plenty.

The home side simply could not contain Daley and Mongomo but when they did there was always Wells, Lucas or Marin on-hand to be the next ‘man’ up as they say. Eagles scoring some incredibly tough baskets at times with their committed driving play.

A lid was firmly applied to the basket Manchester were attacking as Eagles turned the 15-point half-time deficit into a single basket game with great defence and good offence to be only two-points down at 52 to 50 going into the last ten minutes.

Then, cue the explosion. Still playing great team defence, they turned the heat up on offence as well and completely turned the screw to nail down the Manchester coffin. Daley completing a memorable double-double to lead her side through a massive 29 points to 16 final period to take a huge win.

From 15 down at the half to 11-points up at the final buzzer. A remarkable 26-point turnaround in only twenty minutes. Whilst one win does not a season make this was some statement of intent from Newcastle and a second half performance that augurs well going forward.

It also makes it a mouthwatering prospect for what the future may hold when all the t’s are crossed, i’s dotted on the paperwork and all are up and running together as the season unfolds.