Essex Rebels set WBBL record attendance, beat league leaders in thriller

By Bradley Gains on March 12, 2023

Image credit: Essex Rebels

Essex Rebels claimed a thrilling victory in WBBL action in mark of International Women’s Day in front of a league record home crowd of 1505.

It was the third time the attendance figure had been broken this season after Leicester Riders recently surpassed the bar set by Newcastle Eagles.

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Essex defeated Leicester 73-71 in a dramatic encounter in what was their first home game since the departure of long-serving head coach Tom Sadler.

Megan Haines sunk a pair of clutch free throws to edge the Rebels ahead in the final minute before the visiting Riders missed four in a row of their own to fall to a costly defeat.

Krumesh Patel’s Cup runners-up drop to 12-2 with a blow to their title hopes with London Lions poised to take advantage with their 11-1 record in second.

The record crowds for WBBL games are from finals at neutral venues, but the Rebels now hold top spot for home attendances.

Essex Rebels – 1505 (v Leicester – 11 March, 2023)
Leicester Riders – 1312 (v Sevenoaks – 4 March, 2023)
Newcastle Eagles – 1303 (v Leicester – 14 January, 2023)
Newcastle Eagles – 1122 (v Caledonia – 25 March, 2022)

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