Deanne Hayward is looking for home comforts to make up for last season’s injury crisis at Leicester Riders when her team steps out for their first ever showpiece WBBL Final.

The Scottish guard, who has been trying to shake off a bout of flu this week, is looking for the familiar local surroundings to inspire her recovery and a first piece of silverware, as Riders go up against Sevenoaks Suns.

She said: “It will be that little bit extra special for me, because I lived literally 20 minutes away from the Emirates Arena.

“Everyone is super-pumped for this game and especially those of us from last year like Alex [Smith] and Mollie [Campbell], who played when we were down to the bare bones of having just six players at times.

“Winning on Sunday would go a long way to making up for that, because it was hell at times – having so many guys going down with those injuries.

“That has been the difference for us this year, we have stayed healthy and it has helped a lot.”

Riders are rolling nicely in the WBBL Championship and head into the game against Suns on a high as they look to excel in a game that will be shown live on the BBC red button. They also need to make it third time lucky – having already lost twice to their opponents this season.

“We have taken a lot of confidence from our Semi-Final win against Nottingham Wildcats, which was huge for us,” confirmed Hayward.

“We have since went on to beat Manchester Mystics in the league and those results show what we are capable of when we stick to the scouting reports which Matt [Harber] provides us with.

“We are out to make sure that after losing twice to Suns already this season, we don’t make the same mistakes for a third time, but have a game plan which can help us take the win we need.

“Sevenoaks can play ‘small ball’ whereas we have more size and post players available, so it is interesting. We also must be wary of Cat Carr, as she has been playing so well of late and really shooting the lights out.

“But, if we stick to what we need to do, then we feel we have a good opportunity and it is one that we all want to take.”

The WBBL Trophy Final will be shown live on the BBC Red Button at 12.30 on Sunday and is also available live and free worldwide via the BBC Sport website, BBC Sport App and on Connected TV.