Bailey happy to see Mystics back at full strength

All eleven teams are in action this weekend as the Championship enters its final stretch.

Leicester Riders host Manchester Mystics on Friday night, seeking to strike the first blow of the weekend as the title race looks destined to go down to the wire.

The contest can be viewed live via BBC Sport.

Both teams will be bolstered by the inclusion of their England internationals, having returned from Commonwealth Games duties earlier in the week – silver medal in hand.

For Manchester’s Rheanne Bailey, the return of Georgia Jones and Dom Allen comes at a good time.

“It’s great to be back to full strength,” enthused Bailey.

“We’ve really missed Georgia and Dom these last couple of weeks.

“I think they would have made all the difference in our last game against Sheffield.

“The Riders are an extremely strong team, so to have them back is huge for us.

“Leicester will be full of confidence, having just won the Trophy last weekend.

“It should be an exciting game – playing in front of the BBC Sport cameras always adds a bit of extra motivation.

“We are all keen to showcase women’s basketball to an international audience. It’s something every team looks forward to.

“In terms of our game plan, we will have to take care of the ball and really help one another out on defence.

“If we do that successfully we will give ourselves a great chance.”

On Saturday, Oaklands Wolves take on Caledonia Pride as both clubs look to strengthen their bid for post-season basketball.

Cardiff Met Archers then welcome Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters to round out the day’s action.

Caledonia Pride and Leicester Riders return to the court to open Sunday’s proceedings before Sevenoaks Suns do battle with Oaklands Wolves.

Elsewhere, Durham Palatinates entertain Nottingham Wildcats and Team Northumbria face BA London Lions.

WBBL Fixtures Friday

Riders v Mystics – 5:00PM

WBBL Fixtures Saturday

Wolves v Pride – 2:00PM

Archers v Hatters – 4:15PM

WBBL Fixtures Sunday

Pride v Riders – 2:30PM

Suns v Wolves – 3:00PM

Palatinates v Wildcats – 3:00PM

Northumbria v Lions – 4:00PM

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