Lions V Calderdale In Top Of Table Clash This Sunday
First placed Teesside Lions will play second placed Calderdale Explorers this Sunday in the top of the table clash in what will be a busy week for Lions Head Coach Marc Steutel as he is also preparing to play Greece on 25th November as Coach of Great Britain.
Lions are currently unbeaten in the league and have impressed with a string of good results, while The Explorers have found form with a two game winning streak including a 50pt win over Sheffield Elite II and a 10pt victory last weekend at home to Newcastle Eagles II.
Calderdale Coach Jim Fry is an experienced play-caller and will have a group of players eager to show their value. The opportunity to knock the leaders from their perch is an inviting one for any team and Lions will have to be on their guard to ensure the league positions are not alternated.
In terms of squad, Calderdale have some talented players led by one of the league’s best guards in Rob Donaldson. Donaldson is an all-round player with good driving and shooting ability. He has an eye for the pass and an active defender. He has a presence that makes those around him play better.
In a similar way former BBL centre Allie Fullah also provides his team-mates with a confidence boost. The 6’9 powerhouse is an excellent rebounder and scorer for which many teams struggle to guard. Prior to Covid Fullah signed for Manchester Giants in the BBL, but not before dominating against the Lions at Eston in the January 2020 fixture. Lions won on that occasion due to the over-reliance on Fullah, a mistake that Coach Fry will not make.
Following another tough win at Sheffield Elite for Lions, Coach Steutel is keen for the team to ‘pick itself’ ahead of the Sunday fixture, adding:
“We have a big and talented squad and the competition for places is tough. When we see players committing to the principles we are trying to instil, and training harder than they thought was possible, those with that ability light up and team selection becomes that much easier.
“We have a couple of injuries at the moment with Tommy Devitt currently out (knee strain) and Gregory MacMillan still to start training following his ankle injury in pre-season, but we have other players chomping at the bit and I am keen to reward those who deserve it.”
Lions v Calderdale is this Sunday 2.30pm Tip at the 1200 capacity Eston Arena within the Eston leisure Complex on Normanby Road. Tickets available now at www.TeessideLions.com
Teesside Lions v Calderdale Explorers
Sunday 21st November 2.30pm Tip
– Doors open 1.30pm with music, snacks and entertainment.
– Spectators must be seated 30mins prior to tip
Tickets Prices
– Adult £6.50
– U18 & OAP £4.50
– Family £16 (2 adults & 2 u18)
Tickets must be purchased in advance to allow the club to cater for the attendance in accordance with venue & government covid guidelines.
