Eagles forced to doff their caps to Hatters

IT was a tough night for the Newcastle Eagles on Saturday in the Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield.

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They had travelled on the back of three straight losses to play a Hatters opponent that had the same five wins, two losses Championship record.

There was hope that with Jada Dapaa having another week of practice and Andrea Daley looking much sharper than the previous week in the SLB Cup loss at Oaklands that Newcastle might have got something out of the game.

Hatters were many pundits’ preseason tip to be one of the dominant forces in the SLBW this season and have qualified for next month's Trophy Final as well as making a decent start in Championship play.

But the Eagles also had made a similar start and were looking to return to winning ways.

Unfortunately, it didn't pan out that way, with Sheffield dominating from virtually the first tip to the final buzzer and recording a comprehensive victory over their North East rivals.