Team Northumbria will be keen to carry their final quarter form into the first period of Sunday’s derby rematch following a stunning comeback win against Durham Palatinates.
The North East rivals lock horns for the second time in eight days at Sport Central this weekend.
And both teams will be focused on stringing together four consistent quarters following a topsy turvy WBBL clash.
Playoff contenders TN finally edged a thrilling fixture 65-60 last Sunday after trailing for most of the match.
And head coach Chris Bunten must have been both baffled and buoyed by his side’s 22-8 fourth period burst after watching Durham dominate for 30 minutes.
Ultimately the victory consolidated TN’s position in the top four and a sixth successive league win underlined a dramatic mid-season revival.
Bunten went into the New Year without the sidelined Kara Bonenberger but the centre could return to action later this month.
And the prospect of the American star linking up with Team GB’s Hanna Shaw should strike fear into the club’s top four rivals.
Missing out on this month’s Cup final might have been a source of serious disappointment for Bunten.
And Bonenberger’s injury is a serious blow heading into the business end of the season.
However, very little else has gone against TN following the shock departure of Chantelle Handy and the Tynesiders are the form team in the WBBL.
Once again it was Alison Gorrell who carried her team to victory against Durham with an eye-catching 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
And the Palatinates will still be searching that elusive first league win of the season come Sunday unless they can find a way of stopping the in-form American.
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