Bunten has cause to fear Essex Rebels

CHRIS Bunten insists his fastimproving roster would be wrong to underestimate Essex Rebels ahead of tomorrow’s winnable WBBL Championship clash.

However, the Newcastle coach is excited to see how his players react to last weekend’s battling defeat to the all-conquering Sevenoaks Suns.

Bunten is back on Tyneside following a flying visit to the US in his role as Northumbria University Sport’s recruitment chief.

He returned to find a locker room full of confidence ahead of this weekend’s big match at the Eagles’ Community Arena.

Bunten said: “Essex may not have won a game in any competition yet but results do not tell the true story.

“They have plenty of talent and they are a good team.

“We need to focus and ensure we don’t take them lightly.

“The one thing I am not worried about is any hangover from last Sunday’s defeat.

“It was a loss but the performance was a huge improvement on the last time the two teams met.

“The players enjoyed working with Marc Steutel and took plenty of positives out of a strong display against a very good side.”

One area of concern for Bunten is close-season signing Lisa Koop’s mounting foul count as the German star continues to find her feet in the WBBL.

The 6ft 6in star has clocked up 17 fouls in just four games.

Bunten added: “It is frustrating for Lisa and for everyone else but she is new to the league and is still working out what she can do.

“It does not help when she finds herself under serious pressure and nothing is called. The next minute she is being penalised.”

Tomorrow’s clash against the Rebels tips off at 4.00.