Basketball
Eagles Successful in Norway
17 September 2007
Newcastle Eagles completed their pre-season preparations with a pair of victories in Norway over the weekend.
Fab Flournoy's team played twice against Gimel Basket at two different venues, and ran out comfortable winners on each occasion - 116-61 on Friday evening and 104-71 on Saturday.
The Eagles' player-coach was pleased with the trip, which followed up a home victory against touring side Team USA Select: "It went well and we used it as a team bonding exercise" he said.
"We travelled together for the first time, and had a few adversities off the court which brought the team together. They were two good games, and everyone played well and in sync with each other. It was pretty difficult not knowing what to expect, as we had no idea about the side we were playing, but that's what we needed, a change of pace and style. At this stage of the season you can afford to take that chance."
The Eagles were without new signing Richard Midgley, as the point guard was helping Great Britain qualify for the European Championships A Division, and Flournoy is looking forward to working with his new player: "It will be great to have Midge with us, and see how he meshes with the team. It will take time for him to become acclimated with how we play, but we're looking forward to getting him and start getting him involved. As he's been with the British side all summer, I don't have to worry about his conditioning."
Eagles open their BBL Championship season on Friday with a home game against Poujoulat Heat Guildford. The Heat succeeded Eagles as league champions and BBL Cup winners last season, but Newcastle held on to their play-off crown, and both sides are expected to be among the front-runners for the league title this season.
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