The WBBL Play-Off Quarter-Finals tip off this weekend and if Team Northumbria want to defend the coveted silverware they won at The 02 in London last year, they will have to do it the hard way.

The north-east side have had an injury ravaged campaign so far and it shows no sign of relenting as they face the prospect of a trip to the in-form Sevenoaks Suns on Monday.

“We are excited about this Play-Off game, but we are still struggling with injures,” revealed head coach, Chris Bunten.

“However, we have been working hard this week with whatever players we have available and will come out a game plan in place to make it as hard and as scrappy for Sevenoaks as we can.

“With Nicolette [Fong Lyew Quee] being out, it makes the game even harder – but all the team have pulled together.

“Alison Gorrell in particular has stepped up massively at both ends of the floor and has been carrying the scoring load.”

He added: “I was also really pleased with last Friday’s performance against Caledonia Pride, as despite a very fragmented year due to all the injuries, I have been so proud of my team and how they have finished the Regular Season.”

The first two Quarter-Finals will come tomorrow as league winners Nottingham Wildcats continue their quest to make it back to the Play-Off Final when they entertain eighth seeds Cardiff Met Archers.

And, there could be another absolute epic when Manchester Mystics welcome Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters later in the evening, with both sides having had some intense struggles with each other so far.

Meanwhile Sunday will see Leicester Riders face Barking Abbey Crusaders, with the hosts having attained their best ever league finish of second place – but no doubt wary that the visitors signed off their Regular Season campaign with a huge road win at Hatters last weekend.