Eagles complete double over Tigers

NEWCASTLE Eagles took another huge leap towards defending their league title, after a hard-fought 89-79 victory over closest rivals Everton Tigers.

Charles Smith and Trey Moore led the way for the Eagles, both notching up 21 points as the hosts chalked up their 14th consecutive victory.

It was also a second win over the Merseysiders in just 48 hours, having picked up a 90-79 win in Sunday, meaning the Eagles are now two wins away from claiming the title.

The first quarter was evenly matched, but it was the start of the second when Fab Flournoy's side hit their straps with a ten-point scoring streak.

Moore and Smith led Newcastle to a 15-point advantage at the interval and while Andre Smith - who top-scored on the night with 33 points - led a mini-revival, the Eagles eased home to put one hand on the trophy.