The Caledonia Gladiators roared into this Betty Codona Trophy game with a commanding 84–57 victory over the Nottingham Wildcats, turning in a relentless performance at Playsport that laid down a marker for the season ahead.
From the first possession, the Gladiators played with intent and intensity—pressuring every pass, crashing every board, and refusing to give the Wildcats a moment’s rest. What began as a tight contest quickly turned into a one-sided battle, as The Gladiators’ defensive grip tightened and their transition game began to fire.
Annie Warren led the charge with a composed yet aggressive display, pouring in 25 points while setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Her driving finishes and smart decision-making kept the Wildcats off balance throughout.
Brynn Masikewich anchored the paint with toughness, adding 20 points and 5 rebounds, while Mathilde Domenger’s hustle on defence sparked multiple fast-break opportunities, as she grabbed 7 steals to go with her 13 points in a high-energy outing.
Even when the shots weren’t falling from long range, the Gladiators didn’t flinch. They dominated the physical battles, forcing 29 Nottingham turnovers and converting them into points with ruthless efficiency. The Gladiators’ pressure defence was suffocating, swarming the ball and creating chaos that the Wildcats never recovered from.
With the crowd behind them and momentum building, the Gladiators opened up a lead that stretched beyond 30 points late in the game. The bench maintained the intensity, ensuring there was no drop-off as the minutes ticked away.
This was a performance built on grit, unity, and full-court commitment—a complete team effort that showcased the Gladiators’ identity. While there will be bigger tests to come, this emphatic win sends a clear message: Caledonia are here to compete, and they’re not backing down from anyone.
Next up, the Gladiators will look to build on this statement win as they continue their campaign in the Betty Codona Trophy at home against the Sheffield Hatters.