14/09/07 Newcastle Eagles are in Norway this weekend to play back-to-back games against Gimle Basket as part of their intensive pre- season preparations. Gimle were promoted the end of the season to the top Norwegian division and are an ambitious club looking to make their mark against the Eagles. The club flew to Bergen on Friday morning in preparation for games on both Friday and Saturday night with Managing Director Paul Blake excited at his club playing outside of the UK. "It's great for the team to be able to go abroad to Scandanavia and showcase the talent on our roster and represent the BBL." "Everyone is really excited about the weekend and while it is a little bit of a trip into the unknown basketball-wise from a playing sense, it is definitely a chance for the players to get to know each other." "Fortunately for us most of them have played with each other before but as a team building exercise, I am sure it will further strengthen the existing bond." The Eagles cruised to a comfortable pre-season win against Team USA Select last Saturday and will be looking to impress again ahead of next weeks BBL curtain raiser against reigning champions Guildford Heat. Blake also revealed that although Great Britain star Richard Midgley misses the trip as he will be in Switzerland for the final game of the GB qualification campaign, he will be on Tyneside within the next few days. "It's a shame that Richard can't bond with his new team-mates and join up with us earlier but of course he is representing Great Britain and the guys have done brilliantly in having one foot in Division A" "Richard will arrive on Monday and meet everyone at the club and begin to work with Fab and the other players." "We are proud to have him at the club and can't wait for him to become a key player for us this season."
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