BBL Preview: Wildcats at Eagles – 27th September 2013

As opening fixtures go, a local derby is always one for the neutrals – however could the off-season developments at Durham mean this will be the closest ever contest between the two North East sides?

Newcastle Eagles have never lost to Durham Wildcats in the last two years, which equals a 9-0 head-to-head record since the Wildcats made the step up to BBL level.

The last encounter which came in March of this year has been the tightest battle of all, with Fab Flournoy’s Eagles grinding out a four point victory at home, 96-92.

New Wildcats head coach, Lee Davie, who took over the reins from Dave Elderkin during the summer, knows that despite the promising moves made by his side, Newcastle will be even more dangerous than ever after a trophyless season.

However, he has confidence in his charges, which include last season’s team MVP, Ralph Bucci, and a player who has crossed the North East divide, Joel Madourie.

“From a franchise standpoint it seems we’re going in the right direction,” said Davie speaking to The Northern Echo. “We have got some people from previous seasons but half the team are new to us. We’ve got some more BBL experience, plus two or three guys from top American programmes. We’ve got a good balance and a good core group there.

“As much as the Eagles will give us issues, we’ll give them issues as well. Anything can happen on the day so we’re looking forward to it.”

Last year was only the second year in the past nine that Newcastle Eagles have come away without any silverware, and for up-and-coming point guard Eddie Matthew, he knows how important it is for the most decorated basketball team in Britain to bounce back.

“Not winning anything last year was a big problem for a team like us,” Matthew said, speaking to the Evening Chronicle.

“Our new players coming in can hopefully help us look forward and move on from that disappointment by winning more games this season.

“A side like this needs and deserves silverware.”