Durham Palatinates and Nottingham Wildcats both earned wins on the first Sunday of the 2019-20 Championship season.
Durham triumphed on the road against Essex Rebels 79-65 to record a third victory of the season over the same opposition – having already beaten them in the Trophy and Cup. Durham’s attack was spearheaded by 18 points each from Nicolette Fong Lyew Quee, Dee Hayward and Kara Elderkin.
There was further cause for celebration for Durham as Hayward reached 1000 career WBBL Championship points.
In the day’s only other contest, Nottingham enjoyed more success over Caledonia Pride – following a victory against them last weekend in the Cup – to claim a 75-58 win in Edinburgh. The visitors enjoyed a productive afternoon behind the strong play of Jasmine Joyner. The forward poured in 21 points and added 18 rebounds.
Elsewhere, Peterman FLT Sheffield Hatters’ planned clash with Oaklands Wolves was postponed due to a medical emergency. The Oaklands academy player involved is stable in hospital with family.
Our thoughts go to the player and her family at this time. An announcement with further details on the fixture will be made in due course.
WBBL Championship (All Games)
Essex Rebels 65–79 Durham Palatinates (14-22, 22-41, 37-52)
(Rebels – Sadler / Ward 15, Sarson 13; Palatinates – Fong / Hayward / Elderkin 18)
Caledonia Pride 58–75 Nottingham Wildcats (4-25, 26-43, 39-64)
(Pride – Robb 24, Doherty 10, Phillips 9; Wildcats – Joyner 21, Shumpert 18, Costa 12)
Report/Image Source: WBBL