Steutel: Battling Eagles are moving forward now

PLAYCALLER'S PRIDE AFTER 'POSITIVE' PERFORMANCES

- By JEFF KING

Eagles MVP Cole Long during Sunday's game at London Lions

(GARY FORSTER)

MARC Steutel is looking ahead in positive spirits despite his Newcastle Eagles side falling just short against London Lions at the weekend.

The Eagles put up a valiant show in the second 20 minutes of Sunday's 95-82 defeat in the capital, but just couldn’t claw their way back after a ferocious Lions onslaught in the first two periods.

Steutel’s side had stopped the rot 48 hours earlier after six straight Super League Basketball defeats with a gritty 92-89 home win against Surrey 89ers.

And despite defeat against the Lions, the upbeat Eagles head coach reflected on the progress he saw over the two games as he looked forward to what is to come after the international break.

"I think this weekend was positive in our performances and we took steps forward," said Steutel (below).

"[On Sunday] with a really banged up and depleted roster, we look at that with pride. We need to get the guys healthy over the break.