Team Northumbria showed their fighting spirt with a win over Caledonia Pride in the last regular fixture of the WBBL season.
Coach Chris Bunten commended his team for their competitive nature after their 76-57 victory in what was a dead rubber for playoff-bound TN.
“The game didn’t affect our position but I wanted to see our fight, our competitive nature and I think the girls showed that,” said Bunten.
“It was a really good performance and the girls bought into the game plan.”
Bunten was quick to praise Pride’s players and staff after completing their first season in the WBBL.
“Pride are a well-coached team and they’ve got better from the start of the season until now,” he added. “It was a big game for them to get into the playoffs but I wanted to challenge the girls. I said ‘look we hold another team’s destiny in our hands’.”
Northumbria finish the regular season sixth in the WBBL, meaning a tough away game to a top four team going into the playoffs. However, Bunten relishes the challenge of a top team given TN’s recent form.
“It’s been a really good season and I’ve learnt a lot,” he added. “We’ve beaten nearly every team in the league bar two, so we can take that into the playoffs.
“Given Nicolette’s injury it might be a little bit tougher, but every week for the last four weeks we’ve got better and better.
“If we continue to play this way we could give anyone a run in the top four. I know I wouldn’t want to play us right now.
“We’ll probably be playing Sheffield if everyone wins like they’re supposed to.
“They’re an experienced team and they’re tough but we’re quick and we’re fitter. Out of everyone I think my team and I would prefer to play Sheffield.”
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