Darius Setsoafia was delighted with Team Northumbria’s successful revenge mission as the league leaders shrugged off their National Cup exit to defeat Sheffield Hallam in style.
The Steel City club had dispatched TN on their home court to make the 2017 cup final.
However, Setsoafia and co. headed to South Yorkshire in determined mood and claimed a 3-1 win to stay out in front at the top of the Super 8s table.
“After the disappointment of getting knocked out of the cup by Sheffield the previous weekend the lads were extra motivated to seek redemption,” said the TN veteran.
“The coaching staff had a clear game plan that we simply failed to deliver in the cup game. “However, we were confident we could do that plan justice second time around.”
Coach Dave Goodchild shook things up in a bid to get something extra from his talented roster against TN’s title rivals.
And the decision to draft in Fraser Brown for his first start of the season had the desired effect.
TN looked fresher and more effective across the court and Setsoafia paid tribute to the contribution of team-mates Nathan Fullerton and Matt White.
“Nathan and Matt won the battle of the middle portion of the net and then again at the service line,” he added.
“That’s what made the difference in the end. Sheffield had no answer to either of them.
“It was a good win against a strong defensive team.
“Nathan is one of the younger players on the team and nicknamed Care Bear due his big stature and friendly nature. However, he took no prisoners against Sheffield and showed his value to the team on the court.
“Matt was also vital to the win. He has a key role at the service line and we always expect him to have three or four runs a game. He was excellent against Sheffield.”
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