Midgley stars as Eagles open account

Sep 29 2007 The Journal

Newcastle Eagles107

London Capital84

EAGLES new-boy Richard Midgley kick-started his season last night by inspiring Fab Flournoy’s men to their first victory of this season’s BBL campaign, writes DAN WARBURTON.

Midgley struggled to make an impact in last week’s opening game of the season, but the GB-star emphatically led the Eagles to a 107-84 win over London Capital inside the Metro Radio Arena. Having spent the summer months as part of the national set-up, Midgley made his presence felt by recording a double double of 26 points and 11 boards.

The most telling contribution was his role in the nine-point tear that gave the home side an 11-point lead at the end of the first.

However, for most of the opening period the Eagles struggled to shake-off the threat of London, and it was the visitors who started the brighter – shocking Flournoy’s men into action.

Having exchanged blows in the initial minutes, London’s Steve Bucknall will have hoped his side could put one over his former Newcastle team-mates. But Andrew Bridge hit a massive three to level the scores on 17-17 with seven minutes gone of the first quarter.

And fellow Brit Olu Babalola then dunked to put the Eagles in control of the contest – and essentially take a lead they never relinquished.

Also looking as though he may find his form was fellow newcomer Lynard Stewart, who was a massive force in defence for the Eagles and racked up 17 points. But of great concern to Flournoy will be the first-quarter injury of returning Eagles-favourite Charles Smith.

The American forward – who worried Flournoy prior to the fixture with a back strain that almost ruled him out of the game entirely – fell awkwardly after only eight minutes, ending his involvement in the contest.

Meanwhile, opposition guard Wes Miller continued the points-haul that earned him a massive 49 in London’s game against Milton Keynes last week and eventually ended the game with 19 points.

And alongside fellow guard Anthony Anderson, the pair are proving they can become a force in their rookie season in the BBL.

Nevertheless, their modest joint total of 51 points was not enough to end Newcastle’s hopes of recording their first victory in front a partisan Tyneside crowd. The Eagles’ win was secured with more than three minutes to go – a luxury that afforded the coach the opportunity to test out some of his younger roster members.

Brian McCotter, Aaron Nielsen and Will Spragg all made appearances – with Nielsen sinking a colossal three pointer with his first touch of the game. Tom Sherlock took the home side over the finish line, and points from Darius Defoe and McCotter cemented their win by a 23-point margin.

TOP SCORERS

Newcastle Eagles: Midgley 26, Stewart 17, Bridge 15

London Capital: Anderson 32, Miller 19, Chute 9