News from the Eagles Nest 11th April 2012
Champions!
It’s three down one to go for the irrepressible Newcastle Eagles as they won their third piece of silverware this season, the BBL Championship, on Wednesday night without even playing as Leicester Riders defeated Plymouth Raiders 96-72 at the JSSC. Add this to the BBL Cup and Trophy and they are now just one step away from a clean sweep of all four trophies, a feat they achieved back in 2006.
Speaking to the BBL Eagles managing director Paul Blake paid tribute to his side: “I am very proud of what the team has achieved this year. They have had to dig deep and have won more close games than I can remember, but have managed to get over the line. It’s an amazing bounce back following last season and I am very pleased for Fab, the team and most importantly the supporters.”
Mersey Tigers are the visitors on Friday and it will be an extra special occasion that will go a long way towards eradicating the bad memories of last year’s barren campaign when the Tigers clinched the BBL Championship at Sport Central. Party time!
Thommo is predicting an Eagles Wolves Playoff Final and some good news for next year!
I spoke to Andy following that memorable game at Sport Central on Friday and he was gushing in his praise for the Eagles’ opponents, “I’m sure we’ll meet Worcester in the final of the playoffs. For me they’re the second best team in the League. I know we’ve played Plymouth a lot but the way Worcester executes from deep on offensive and the way they play defence their definitely the team that’s given us the most trouble.”
They have a real deep threat, something that particularly hurt his team in that devastating fourth quarter back in December when Wolves inflicted a rare defeat on the Eagles. Andy and the lads will certainly not be taking them lightly if their paths do cross in the playoffs, “They’re a bogey team for us and every game seems to be close. They’ve got loads of threats on the three point line which stretches us out and makes us struggle when the knock down the shots.”
I asked Andy about the prospects of keeping the bulk of this year’s all conquering squad together and he was very positive about this as he hopes to tie down a new contract for next season, “If we can build on what we’ve got here and sort out me staying for next season that would be great. We’ll maybe get an extra body in and I think we’ll be in with a good chance of doing it all again next year.” All music to any Eagles fan’s ears!
BBL Team of the Week
Prince Charles put the Wolves to the sword on Friday and in doing so earned himself a well deserved spot in the BBL team of the week. When his team needed him he came up with a big performance yet again racking up 25 points, 9 boards and 4 assists. Thank goodness Fab persuaded him to come out of retirement in the summer. How about one more season next year Charles?
Congratulations to Andy Thomson too who made the bench thanks to yet another double double and that tip in!
Follow Darrin Smith on Twitter @OleDJ
