IT’S 3-0 for the season so far for Fab Flournoy and his Newcastle Eagles as they continue to look impressive and lead their BBL Group.

But, for long periods last night their new North East rivals managed to stay with their more illustrious neighbours until a late blitz in the third quarter took the Eagles in to the comfort zone.

It was a quickfire double for the Men in Black over Durham following last Saturday’s win at Newton Aycliffe.

Durham included new American big man Mario Flaherty in their line-up for the first time and he showed that once he works out the league and the officiating he could have a lot to offer.

With their other Americans Mike Capoccia and Fred Hinnenkamp settling in and Ralph Bucci pulling the strings, they look as if they have a base from which to work but they need to get smarter quicker to progress. For Newcastle, it’s business as usual with plenty more to come and possibly even a new player soon.

Veteran Charles Smith once again led the way with his late long-range shooting giving him the game’s top score. He was well supported by Joe Chapman who showed a sure touch and the Eagles other three starters Paul Gause, Andy Thomson and Darius Defoe all making double figures with Defoe also adding 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Gause looked as if he is settling in well and finished his scoring with a fast break dunk to thrill the large Sport Central faithful. Thomson continues to impress with his no frills style, and Eagles have to be happy with the start they’ve made this season.

In the first quarter the sides traded baskets throughout with neither side creating a big lead. Eagles’ scoring looked balanced all over while Bucci and Capocci led the Wildcats offence. It was Smith’s late basket that gave the Eagles a first quarter 21-19 lead.

In the second Wildcats showed plenty of energy but Newcastle’s experience and depth kept them in front as they took a 42 -36 lead in to the locker room. As the second half opened the plan was to put Durham away early but it never materialised as Wildcats hung in there.

However, as the quarter wound down Eagles stepped up a gear especially on defence and converted at the opposite end to move in to a comfortable lead at 64 - 50 with ten minutes to play. It was a lead they even managed to extend in the final period as they finally cruised to a third successive win.

Flournoy even had the luxury of running his full bench and was able to give meaningful and valuable minutes to the rookies Lamar Morrison and Joel Madourie who’s rebounding at both ends was impressive. The good thing for Eagles and Flournoy is that despite three 20+ points wins there’s still more to come and work on.

So, a week’s rest and training for the Eagles now before hosting Guildford Heat next Friday night for the first BBL Championship game of the season.

NEWCASTLE: Charles Smith 23, Joe Chapman 19, Paul Gause 16

DURHAM: Mike Capocci 20, Ralph Bucci 16, Fred Hinnenkamp 13