Defence is the key for us – Bridge

Apr 15 2008 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

ANDREW Bridge is expecting the Newcastle Eagles’ defence to be the key whoever they face in the quarter-finals of the BBL Play Offs next week.

The Eagles will face either Worcester or Everton in the first round of the end of season face- off, depending on who finishes where in the table.

Bridge believes it will be the Eagles’ vastly improved defensive play which will be the difference as the team go in search of their second trophy following their league title success earlier this month.

Bridge said: “It will be surprising if Everton end up in that position as they are a strong team with plenty of offensive fire power. If we don’t turn up on defence it’s a game we could lose.

“They are actually not too dissimilar to Worcester so for us it really is about defence, which before Friday’s game has been a bit of a problem for us.

“We have been winning, but we have also been giving up a lot of points. At least the Milton Keynes game showed that we can still keep teams down in terms of point scoring and also that we really can close out close games. We have had three in a row and have managed to do it.”

Eagles Director of Basketball, Paul Blake is, however, convinced it will be Everton rather than Worcester who face his side on April 25. That would mean a reunion with England international Richard Midgley who left Newcastle to sign for Everton midway through the campaign amid rumours he was unhappy at the way he was being used by coach Fabulous Flournoy.

Blake said: “Looking at the way the league is panning out at 7th and 8th spot, I think its more likely that we are going to play Everton.

“Worcester have one game to play against second bottom London Capital at home. If they win that Everton have to win both of their remaining two games, one of which is away to Scottish Rocks, who are impressive at home.

“Either way it will make for one of the toughest play-off quarter finals we have had in recent years. Both teams can score by the bucket load.”