The road teams made it a clean sweep as the Betty Codona Trophy got underway this weekend.

Caledonia’s title defence got off to the best possible start, while a hungry B. Braun Sheffield Hatters started their campaign with a victory.

Manchester Basketball 77-91 Caledonia Gladiators

A strong second half lifted the Betty Condona holders Caledonia Gladiators to a 91-77 win over Manchester Basketball at the Manchester Basketball Performance Centre.

Anastasia Warren had a game-high 29 points, helped by a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double from Tierra Hodges as Caledonia overturned an early 12-point deficit to a 65-57 third-quarter lead. Coasting to the finish line thanks to the duo of Warren and Hodges.

Frannie Hottinger shot 50% from the field for her 24 points and nine rebounds for Manchester, who get their Trophy adventure off to a losing start.

Newcastle Eagles 61-91 B. Braun Sheffield Hatters

Emma Gandini was cooking from three-point range as she guided B. Braun Sheffield Hatters to a 91-61 success over the Newcastle Eagles at the Vertu Motors Arena.

Gandini went a jaw-dropping 7/8 from three-point land and shot 75% from the field overall, posting 29 points for the Hatters, who led by as many as 34 points in a strong start to the new season.

Despite the loss, Newcastle saw two players score double-doubles as Jada Dapaa paced the hosts with 22 points and 10 rebounds, with Andrea Daley grabbing six offensive rebounds for 14 points and 14 rebounds.