Barking Abbey Crusaders vs Team Solent Kestrels 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 1.15pm
Barking Abbey Crusaders were able to grab their first win of their NBL Division One campaign at the first time of asking, as they travelled to Essex Leopards to pick up an important victory. Coach Lloyd Gardner's sqaud were spurred to victory by an offensive explosion from point guard Ade Adebayo, who poured in 35 points. Coach Gardner will hope for more of the same from his young floor general heading into this weekend's match-up.
A tougher test stands in the Crusaders way, as reigning league runners-up Team Solent Kestrels roll in to town. The Kestrels were able to take home the spoils in their season opener last weekend, as Herm Senor II knocked down the game-winner to give the Southampton-based side a clutch two point win. Jon Averkamp has also been key so far for Coach Matt Guymon's side, with crucial contributions also coming from Elliott Dadds in the early season.
TSK are in double header action this weekend...
— Team Solent Kestrels (@SolentKestrels) October 12, 2018
Saturday (A) @AbbeyBasketball | 1:15pm
Sunday (H) Bristol Hurricanes | 6pm
However we have all the best bits from last weekends nail biting victory over @ThamesValleyCav
🎥 @benjykirkman #KestrelsFamily pic.twitter.com/tqBOpj2K7X
Loughborough Riders vs Bradford Dragons
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 6.00pm
The Loughborough Riders head into this one having got their season off to a nervy start on the road at Team Newcastle last weekend. A rocky fourth quarter performance on the offensive end saw Newcastle make a run that nearly got them back into the game, but Coach Mark Jarram's squad held on. A better performance will likely be needed this week, as the East Midlands side return home for their league season home opener.
Meanwhile, the visitors in this one, Bradford Dragons, come into the game on a high; undefeated thus far in the early in Trophy and league play. Third quarter struggles allowed their opposition last weekend, Nottingham McDonald's Hoods, to creep back into the game - but a strong fourth quarter was what Coach Chris Mellor's side needed to hold them off. Drexler Clark and Ricky Fetske will the key match-ups for Coach Jarram to focus on, as the inside-outside duo went off to combine for 62 points last weekend.
Double-header action for Loughborough Riders in the @NBLengland!
— Loughborough Basketball 🏆 (@lborobasketball) October 9, 2018
Buy Adult or Child tickets for Saturday and receive a code for FREE tickets on Sunday!
Saturday Tickets: https://t.co/ajXHwcDMDe
Sunday Tickets: https://t.co/pZ2p9uY4cq#WhereHistoryBegins pic.twitter.com/9c0h6eXOGE
Thames Valley Cavaliers vs Hemel Storm 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 6.00pm
There was heart-break on the road last weekend for Coach Robert Banks' Thames Valley Cavaliers squad, as a last-gasp winner from Herm Senor II saw Team Solent Kestrels take the spoils in a tight contest. The Cavs will have headed back to West London knowing they gave away a game they had a chance to win, so look for them to be refocused in this one, searching for their first victory at the NBL Division One level. Martelle McLemore, regining NBL Division Two MVP, has shown that he will be tough to stop this season, while Andre Baptiste has also been a key contributor for TVC in the early season.
Hemel Storm head into this one off the back of their own heart-break, as an offensive showcase went the way of Worthing Thunder last weekend. Jack Burnell had a chance to send the game into overtime, but his shot from distance rimmed out, giving the Thunder a narrow three point victory. Blayne Freckleton was impressive for Coach Robert Youngblood's side, while look for captain Bode Adeluola to continue his hot start as the Storm search for their first win in this one.
.@ThamesValleyCav Off-scene #GameDay preparation. Our next home game is this weekend - bring it on @hemelstorm! #goCavs 💯🔥
— Thames Valley Cavaliers (@ThamesValleyCav) October 11, 2018
🏀 v @hemelstorm
📆 Sat 13 October
🕕6pm
📍Uxbridge College
💷 Adults £5 / Under 18s £2 / Schools Programme FREE in pic.twitter.com/uMNkEFWQvu
Essex Leopards vs Nottingham McDonald's Hoods
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 6.00pm
Coach Thomas Baker and his squad will be disappointed to have dropped their season opener to Barking, as they struggled to slow down Ade Adebayo. This weekend sees the Leopards on their home floor again, as they welcome the Nottingham McDonald's Hoods. Coach Baker will be hopeful of success in this once, after good starts to the season for the Big Cats new boys Sam Newman, Chuck Duru and Lee Hodges.
Meanwhile, the visiting Hoods are on the road again after their unsuccessful trip to West Yorkshire last weekend. Victims of Bradford Dragons' offensive explosion, Coach Ryan Westley will be hopeful that his side can pick up a win in this one against Essex, fellow newcomers to the top tier. A tight match-up could go either way at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday night, so Coach Westley will look for new signing Cole Welle's impressive play to continue, while a potential return to the side after injury for David Watts might also be a crucial factor.
This weekend @Uni_of_Essex Tickets available online or on the door. pic.twitter.com/yvLXfYptEq
— Essex Leopards (@essexleopards) October 9, 2018
Worthing Thunder vs Reading Rockets 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 7.30pm
Worthing head into this one on a high after they grabbed a narrow victory on the road last weekend, in a high-tempo offensive showcase against Hemel. A balanced attack with multiple scoring threats for player-coach Josh Goddard has the Thunder pegged as early favourites to be up near the top of the table when the business end of the season rolls around. Alex Owumi and Zaire Taylor were clinical against Hemel, as the latter stuffed the stat-sheet to pick up his second Player of the Week award of the early season.
On the other hand, Reading's season opener didn't go quite as planned for Coach Alan Keane's side, as the visiting Blazers build an early lead that saw them hold on for a double digit win. Struggles in the second quarter spelled trouble for the Rockets, as the game slipped away just too much, as a good second half couldn't get them back into the contest. Trae Pemberton was impressive for the Berkshire-based side, as he poured in 30 points, but Coach Keane will be hoping for improved contributions up and down the roster.
2 days till game day, who is coming?? #NBL1819 #worthingthunder pic.twitter.com/eqquVsnSX2
— Worthing Thunder 🏆 (@WorthingThunder) October 11, 2018
Ipswich vs Bristol Academy Flyers 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 3.00pm
Ipswich have looked impressive thus far in WNBL Division One, continuing their hot streak last season which saw them complete an historic undefeated season at the WNBL Division Two level. A blow-out win against Oxford on the opening day of the season was followed up by a tight contest on the road at Team Solent Kestrels last weekend. A focused defensive effort down the stretch for Coach Nick Drane's side saw them hold off the Kestrels and improve to 2-0 on the season. Harriet Welham has put the league on notice, picking up back-to-back Player of the Week awards, as she dropped 31 points. Welham struggled from behind the arc, so if she manages to catch fire from distance then the Flyers better watch out!
The Flyers got their early season back on track last weekend, as they improved to 1-1 after a victory against Sevenoaks Suns II. Coach Gareth Till's side led from tip to buzzer in a routine win, locking in defensively and utilising a balanced scoring attack. There has been strong early play from Flyers' newcomers Cristina Bigica and Flo Ward, as the former led her side with 17 points in their last outing.
Ipswich Senior Women look to extend an unbeaten start to life in @NBLengland D1 with @BrisFlyersWomen making the long trip East.
— Ipswich Basketball (@IpswichBball) October 12, 2018
📆 Saturday 13th October
⌚️ 3pm tip off
📍 Copleston Sports Centre
💷 £3 Adults, £2 U18s, Free U11s, £1 Club Members#IBCFamily 🏀🔵 pic.twitter.com/479J41VjKZ
Loughborough Riders vs Oxford Brookes University 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 3.00pm
After a weekend off on the opening day of the season, Loughborough Riders faced their season opener on the road last weekend as they travelled to Southwark Pride. A rocky third quarter performance allowed their hosts to dictate the game, but the East Midlands side found their rhythm again in the fourth period with a better offensive output. Their narrow victory was led by 17 points from Holly Davies, while Imogen Cook and Hannah Dawsom also put in big performances in the back-court, evidencing the depth of Coach Krumesh Patel's rotations.
The woes continued for Oxford Brookes University last weekend, after they picked up their second loss of the early season to fall to 0-2. The new-look OBU squad, with a renewed focus on the development on their student-athletes, is going through a different period of transition and learning in the early going, but there are positives for Coach Zack Meekings. Marta Artiles Perez has shown that she can be a factor at the WNBL Division One level thus far, while there was also a double digit scoring effort from Hannah Todd last week against Birmingham.
Get down @lborouniversity to support on Saturday as @NBLengland action begins for the Loughborough Riders Women! #NewGround #BritishBasketball pic.twitter.com/yLFrvknNII
— Charnwood Basketball (@CharnwoodBball) October 9, 2018
Reading Rockets vs Anglia Ruskin University 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 5.30pm
A 25-7 first quarter set the tone for the Rockets last weekend, as they cruised to victory at Rivermead against the travelling Barking Abbey squad. A competitive contest throughout the second and third quarters, it was the good start and great finish for Reading that carried them to the win, locking in defensively down the stretch. John Madejski Academy stand-out Paula Romero Tarrega led the attack with 21 points on the day.
The visitors in this one are yet to take to the floor this season, as Anglia Ruskin have had two weeks to watch and wait for their season debut. The surprise WNBL Division One Playoff champions from a season ago shocked everyone with an impressive post-season run to the championship, so look for the Rhinos to come into this season full of confidence. A tricky first match-up on the road against Reading should be a tight affair.
Sevenoaks Suns II vs Barking Abbey
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 6.00pm
A tough start to the season for WNBL Division One newcomers Sevenoaks Suns II sees them sit at 0-2, after a narrow loss to Solent and dropping a disappointing one on the road at Bristol. The bright spark in the loss for the travelling Kent side was an impressive performance from Katie Bennett, whose efficient shooting saw her lead her team with 21 points. The Suns will hope for better support up and down the roster if they are to have more success this weekend.
Their opposition making the short trip from East London are Barking Abbey, who sit at 1-1 after a narrow win over Bristol and a tough loss against Reading. Barking have been led early on by strong efforts from Sade Orija, while newcomers Brenda Kipewu and Karla Powlesland have also slotted themselves into the BA attack nicely. A tough one to call here between two young teams should see a free-flowing game that may go down to the wire.
Team Birmingham Elite vs Team Solent Kestrels
Sunday 14 October 2018 - 6.00pm
The sole match-up of WNBL Division One on Sunday that rounds out the weekend's action sees Team Birmingham Elite host Team Solent Kestrels. The West Midlands side are coming off a good performance against the struggling Oxford Brookes University, as a solid effort on the road saw them come away with a big win. Lucy Buxton was impressive for Coach Robin Hall, as she dropped 21 points, while Sandra Hewakowska and Jessica Cooper also had solid displays.
The visiting side in this one, making the trip to the Midlands from the south coast, are a Team Solent Kestrels side that currently sit 1-1 in league play. In two close games so far, the Southampton-based side have picked up a single point victory over Sevenoaks, then dropped their home game against Ipswich by just five points. Geena Gomez has been a force for Coach CJ Lee's side thus far, while a good season debut for Jodi Jerram last weekend bolsters the squad as they travel to Birmingham.
Derbyshire Arrows vs East London All Stars 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 2.00pm
The Derbyshire Arrows return to action for their league season opener after a weekend off, with their last action coming against Surrey Rams in the National Cup and a reversal of this fixture a day prior in the Patrons Cup. A tight game early on at UEL Sportsdock saw the All Stars pull away in the second quarter, before maintaining their double digit lead to grab an important Patrons Cup win, that would in the end be inconsequential as Ipswich would top Pool B to progress. 23 points from Sheu Matewe on the day paced the Arrows, as he was supported by 18 from Joseph Baugh.
The East London All Stars will no doubt be envious of the Arrows' weekend off, as they come off a packed double-header of Patrons Cup and NBL Division Two league action. A loss last Saturday in the Patrons Cup Pool B saw Ipswich progress to the knockout rounds, as Dylan Whitbread led the All Stars' attack with 17 points. Meanwhile, their Sunday match-up in the back-end of their back-to-back saw London United visit UEL Sportsdock and pick up a win in the league season opener. Jonathan James has showed good early form as he led his side with 18 points on the day, while back-court running mate Aaron Badibo has also shone in the early season.
Ipswich vs Sussex Bears 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 5.30pm
Ipswich head into their league season opener high on confidence after booking their place in the Patrons Cup knockout stages with two wins over Derbyshire Arrows and East London All Stars. The victory over the latter was last weekend as Eivydas Aleksa led the way with 18 points, while the Suffolk-based side's captain Colin Dockrell had 15.
Sussex Bears' dropped an important game in the Patrons Cup Pool C last weekend, leaving their fate to be decided by a rearranged match-up between Greenwich Titans and London Greenhouse Pioneers. The Pioneers got the better of the Bears last weekend, despite a 21 point, 11 rebound double-double from Tomas Seduikis. Coach Gary Smith's squad head into their home opener with this tricky road game against the surging Ipswich squad who have looked good thus far.
Westminster Warriors vs Greenwich Titans 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 5.30pm
The Westminster Warriors head into their league season opener against NBL Division Two newcomers Greenwich Titans after having booked their place in the knockout stages of the Patrons Cup. The reigning Patrons Cup champions topped Pool D to progress, as a routine win over London Westside was led by 12 points from Philip Lartey.
The visitors have had two weeks off since their debut in the second tier of the NBL, in a Patrons Cup loss against Sussex Bears. The tough start to their campaign, since promotion from NBL Division Three South, was led by 14 points from Nicholas Fearson. A difficult season opener here against a strong Westminster Warriors squad could be a rough welcome to NBL Division Two league play.
Liverpool vs London Westside 
Saturday 13 October 2018 - 6.00pm
Liverpool are going into their league season opener having booked their place in the Patrons Cup knockout rounds, after their winner-takes-all match-up with Myerscough College in Pool A. The North West side were led by big man David Ulph, while newcomers Mark Rangeley and Kenny Ogunneye added 22 and 13, respectively.
The squad making the long trip from the capital to Merseyside are London Westside, whose loss to Westminster last week put an end to their Patrons Cup campaign. However, Theo Deleligne was impressive for Coach Frank Lamptey's side, as he dropped 22 points in the loss.
Men's National Cup
The third round of the Men's National Cup is upon us, as the lower-tier sides have battled it out for a chance to face the big guns as they enter the fray. Runners-up from a season ago, Manchester Magic, are on the road at Derbyshire Arrows; their only action of the weekend following a disappointing loss to Leicester Warriors last weekend. Meanwhile, last year's champions Hemel Storm have drawn a home tie were they face a tricky one with Ipswich are the visitors.
Women's National Cup
The Women's National Cup also gets underway with the first round of fixtures, seeing reigning champions Ipswich on the road at Myerscough College. The young Myerscough team, new entrants into the WNBL, will have to be up for a tough challenge against the strong Suffolk-based side.
