Durham edge derby thriller

WBBL Championship
Durham Palatinates 66-62 Newcastle Eagles (18-17, 28-36, 43-45)

It was tense and ultimately rewarding for Durham Palatinates as they moved into the top six of the standings with a hard-fought win against local rivals, Newcastle.

Durham struggled in the early stages, but got it done down the game stretch to take derby bragging rights and improve their Play-Off prospects.

Leading scorers – Rhianna Mae Laing 13, Harriet Ottewill-Soulsby 12, Rudiane Eduardo 10 (Palatinates) – Giulia Simioni 19, Kara Bonenberger 15, Steph Gandy 10 (Eagles)

Turning point – Trailing 38-44, Durham outscored the visitors 9-3 either side of the third and fourth quarter break to tie the game up and always looked the more likely winners after this.

Key stat – Newcastle were beaten up up in the paint and outscored 38-24, while also losing the rebounding battle 53-39.

Game hero(es) – It was not a day for outstanding performances, but rather a team effort as Durham showed unity to seal the deal.

Box score.