There may only be a couple of WBBL Championship games to enjoy this weekend but for Barking Abbey centre Christina Gaskin, tomorrow can’t come quick enough.

After a couple of weeks without a fixture, Crusaders will make a return to the mix as they try and record a historic first-ever win in any WBBL competition against Hatters.

“Having that time off can be frustrating sometimes, but I think it has given us extra fire in the belly and a real added excitement about getting back onto the floor,” stated Gaskin, who has been a tower of strength in the paint for her side this season.

“It has also given us plenty of time to practice and work on new things which we will try out in the game and we’re all looking forward to that.

“We will respect the threat Hatters will bring, since they have experienced and quality players who we must take care of.

“But I think this time off can give us an extra edge for the game, because we’re all fired up for it.”

Gaskin will certainly have her hands full trying to contain the likes of the powerhouse Hatters’ forward Brittany Winborne, while the visitors will be looking to Great Britain duo Helen Naylor and Georgia Gayle – as well as the evergreen veteran Steph Gandy, to help them get back to winning ways.

Hatters have lost twice recently to Sevenoaks Suns – a club that along with Leicester Riders who have also made the WBBL Trophy Final, were seen as having similar expectations to Barking at the beginning of the season.

“You have to hand it to Suns in particular for what they have achieved in recent weeks and especially winning twice in Sheffield,” added Gaskin.

“They have underlined once again how in this league, you really can’t take anything for granted because anybody really can beat anybody in each given game.

“It’s what continues to make the WBBL so exciting and that unpredictable element and competitiveness of the league makes it great to play in.

“It is just another reason why we’re excited to get back on the court again and play,” she concluded.

Meanwhile Sevenoaks Suns themselves are back in action this weekend as they welcome Manchester Mystics on Sunday, with the visitors also looking to their Great Britain core to help end a worrying record since they lifted the WBBL Cup back in January.

Mystics will also be keen to avenge a surprise 69-45 home loss to Suns in the league at the start of the calendar year.