Leeds Force Look To Emulate High-Flying Giants

Force are without a win in their three games since stepping up to the BBL while Giants have caught the eye with wins against Sheffield Sharks and Worcester Wolves in their opening two home games.

Newby can see how Giants are improving and the way they have developed along similar lines to Leeds.

“In Manchester you see a franchise on the up,” said the Force coach.

“They have gone through the same transition we are starting and are coming out the other side now. They have personnel loyal to the progression of the team and I sense they are hungry to improve on the previous season’s performances.

“They have opened up well and certainly made a statement of intent by beating the Wolves last weekend; they have an excellent balance of experience in the roster in Mike Bernard and with David Watts, Ben Eaves, Callum Jones and Stefan Gill not only a genuine commitment to domestic personnel but an abundance of talent.”

Force’s talent hasn’t perhaps had the results it deserves from the opening two weekends but Newby has been encouraged by the way his players have responded mentally, and feel it bodes well.

“I think the guys are managing a tough opening reasonable well, we are demanding more from them each day and they are responding well,” Newby added.

“There will always be frustrations when we are not playing well but I like the fact we are not hiding from mistakes and we are willing to be accountable for our own actions.

“The first win is not beyond us in the near future, whether that comes on Friday night is up to us, and how we execute our game plan.”

What they say:

DAVID WATTS

Giants forward David Watts: “For us, we face the same challenges every game, to compete at the highest level we can. We played Leeds in a pre-season friendly in a closely fought affair and it was a rugged win for us so I’m expecting more of the same.

“Having not won yet, I’m expecting a very tough game from them as I’m sure they’ll be hungry for that first win. We have to head into Leeds focused and ready for a battle.”

Story – BBL/Leeds Force