Durham’s Elderkin pleased with Wildcats season so far

The Durham Wildcats have reason to be confident as they prepare for the visit of the Manchester Giants at Newton Aycliffe LC on Sunday.

Two wins by the end of the first month of the season shows a great improvement for Coach Elderkin’s Wildcat team who took until the end of January to win game number two of the season in their rookie BBL campaign.

Coach Elderkin acknowledges the improvements in his side but reveals it is still a work in progress.

“Six new players into the team from last year – never an easy situation,” said the veteran Head Coach. “We got down to the hard work once they arrived and have been pleased with the results so far.

“If we have a disappointment…it’s probably our second quarter performance against the Eagles and our poor start against Sheffield. Other than that, I think we’ve equipped ourselves pretty well.”

The Wildcats start to the season sees them sitting seventh in the league following wins over the Worcester Wolves (opening day of the season) and the Mersey Tigers (last weekend), with new guard, Keith Page, coming to prominence in recent weeks with solid performances.

Against the Manchester Giants, Page will have a chance to get one over on his former team.

“I was aware of Keith Page’s potential before he went to the States,” explained Coach Elderkin when explaining his history with former Manchester Giant, Page.

“When the Wildcats were in EBL Division 2, we played Manchester in a Cup game when Manchester were in (Division) 1 – highly impressed with Keith. Very impressed with Keith when he played for them against us when we were both in Division 1. Surprised he didn’t get more of an opportunity at Cheshire but I think the move to bring him in has paid off. And right now he’s playing really, really well.”