Ghiani ban for breaking whip rules

Newcastle will be looking to bounce back after last weekend’s 90 – 75 loss on the road to Leicester Riders.

They face a Wildcats side that they’ve already played twice this calendar year.

Back in January the Midlands side came North and defeated The Eagles on their home court in a Betty Cordona Trophy quarter final tie by 79 – 74.

Newcastle did get a modicum of revenge last month going to Nottingham and winning 82 – 66 in the League.

The Eagles currently sit in the play-off standings with a four wins eight losses giving them a 6th place position.

The Wildcats meanwhile are outside of the playoffs standings in 10th on a three wins 10 losses record. This is a vital game for both sides.

Newcastle’s Captain Marina Fernandez previewed the game and started by taking the positives from the Leicester defeat and how her teammates and she can build from that.

“I think it was quite frustrating and disappointing because we were right there for a while. I think that recurring mistakes just got us in trouble and Leicester are just that type of team that are consistent and

MARCO Ghiani has been given a 34-day suspension following a referral from the Whip Review Committee.

Ghiani, who was crowned Britain’s champion apprentice in 2021, is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines having been found in breach of the whip rules for the fifth time in the last six months.

Nine days of his ban have been deferred for six months and he has also been instructed to complete a two-day training course.

Ghiani has enjoyed plenty of big-race success during his relatively short career so far, scoring aboard Saeed bin Suroor’s Real

Marina Fernandez in action

really penalise your mistakes.”

“They get a good look, know what they’re looking for have a good structure and execute well. That’s something we’re trying to polish now and avoid those mistakes and punish teams instead of getting punished.”

“We still took positives and confidence from the game. We know we can hang and we know we can compete. It’s just a matter of having more consistency. Part of it is just getting to know each other better on the court.”

“We have a few new pieces and I just think it takes time to build that chemistry and that trust and that consistency of knowing what we’re doing for forty minutes.”

Nottingham as can be seen present a different obstacle to tackle and one that Fernandez is aware that her side need to get over with a victory.

“Consistency is the key to the game. We did beat them last time

World in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot and in Group-race company in 2021.

Having subsequently served a six-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine, the Sardinian native enjoyed two Group Three wins on foreign soil last year, with Jane ChappleHyam’s Mill Stream in France and in the Italian St Leger aboard the Mick Appleby-trained Roberto Escobarr.

Apprentice rider Tommie Jakes has also been suspended for 24 days, with eight days deferred for six months. He too will have to complete a two-day training course before his return to the saddle.