The big question on everyone’s lips of an Eagles persuasion after a pulsating explosive absorbing semi-final 1^st leg was, is 11 points enough. For Cheshire had they managed damage limitation enough? Everyone will find out on Sunday evening down in Cheshire.

That game will no doubt be as eagerly anticipated as this one was and almost certainly every bit as competitive and hard-fought as Friday nights was. The overwhelming feeling coming across that perhaps Newcastle could have had more and perhaps Cheshire did well to keep it too eleven.

It was a game where Newcastle had control almost throughout the 40 minutes but also 40 minutes where the Phoenix never lay down or went away. Nothing different would have been expected in a game that was vitally important to both teams and Clubs.

Eagles shared the ball well all-night dishing out 27 assists and having six players in double-digit scoring. They seemingly always had someone to step up when another was closed down and that gave Cheshire problems all night.

Both teams went deep as well. Eagles top two scorers Gus Okafor and Ray’Sean Taylor both coming off the bench to add their contributions in a 42-point supporting effort whilst Phoenix received 34-points from their non-starters. It shows that both teams can score from anywhere at any time.

That could be a crucial factor on Sunday but that’s for them and will no doubt despite the same cast be a different story that unfolds. Friday night being only halfway through the final deliberations and outcome.

Eagles made their first run on Friday with the score tied at 4-4, Manny Kanwei, Maceo Jack and an Okafor triple giving them a seven-point lead and from there they were never headed nor drawn level again in the game.

Deion Hammond came to the party early for Newcastle with 11 big points in the first quarter as Eagles hit five triples in the period. Kanwei who had a 100% shooting performance in the previous game at Surrey continued that run and by the end of the first ten minutes the men in black lead 34-24.

But Cheshire showed their mettle early in the second with Jaxon Brenchley helping them to an 8-2 run that cut the lead to four points at one stage. Back came the Eagles though influenced by Taylor’s 10-point contribution and with others around him adding their firepower.

Darius Defoe’s only bucket of the game capped a 15-4 home run that saw Newcastle get the lead up to 15-points as they took control. Phoenix with captain Skyler White in two-point scoring mode did threaten another comeback but they were in foul trouble.

That meant Newcastle got to the charity strip with Okafor in particular driving hard and his success from the free-throw line enabled Coach Marc Steutel’s men to sneak the second quarter by a point and take an 11-point lead at 57-46 into the locker room.

The third always seems to be a crucial period and it was one that Cheshire were certainly looking to benefit from. But it was Newcastle that initially controlled the quarter. On three occasions they got the gap up to 16-points which was their biggest lead of the night.

Then Frankie Policelli came alive after a quiet first half hitting three triples in the period and helping his side put together an 11-2 burst that cut Newcastle’s lead to seven points. Up stepped Kanwei to hit a very rare but huge triple from the corner to restore the double-digit gap at 76-66.

Ten points up and ten minutes to play. Both sides looking for something different. Newcastle to increase and Cheshire to decrease. Cole Long and Okafor showed up well for Eagles and they nudged their side back up by 15.

But this time it was Newcastle in foul trouble and with Long and Terrell Burden fouling out of the game Phoenix took advantage from the free-throw line and the gap was suddenly back in single digits as Eagles set-up the last play of the game.

What a play it was as Mitch Clarke got his three-point shot attempt away just before the buzzer ended the game. It sailed through the hoop as the backboard lit up and restored Newcastle’s advantage to double-figures for the final time. How crucial that triple will be will depend on how Sunday pans out.

It does though give Newcastle an advantage to defend down at the Ellesmere Port Sporting Village but that won’t be their mindset. They will travel looking to win. Attack being the best form of defence as the Eagles look to defend the Trophy they won in Birmingham last January.

Its certainly going to be intriguing with perhaps many a twist and turn to be run through by both sides. Cheshire have to come out all guns a blazing whilst Newcastle have to stick to their game plan and principles if they are to make yet another National final.