Bury-based Lancashire Spinners opened their Division Two season with a hard-fought win in the Patrons Cup against a strong Worcester Wolves II, and coach Ken Masser believes there is still plenty to come from his young team.

The Spinners, who had a number of new young players – including Andre Gayle, Kenny Ogunneye and Steven Vaughan – in their starting line-up, were keen to start the season with a good performance and Masser was pleased with the win.

“It’s always good to start the season with a win,” he said.

“We had spells today where we looked dangerous, but at times we lacked discipline and will need to improve significantly in the next few weeks.

“Worcester are a strong team, well coached, and of course Worcester has a fantastic basketball pedigree.

“We knew it would be tough but I was very impressed with the youngsters who showed poise and maturity.

“I think it’s important to remember that nine of our 12 players are under 23 and so its going to take time for us to gel and reach our potential.

“All in all it was a very encouraging first performance,” said Masser.

Both teams began the game executing well offensively with Steven Vaughan scoring a couple of early baskets for the visitors.

Ogunneye burst into the game off the bench in the first quarter pulling down four offensive rebounds and showing how important his size, strength and athleticism could be for the Spinners this year.

The Bury-based side closed the first quarter with a slender one point lead at 25-24.

Improved defence in the second quarter helped the Spinners to extend their lead to 48-39 at the halfway mark with Andre Gayle, Conor Porter, Mark Rangeley and Josh Houghton catching the eye with some strong defence and good shooting.

In the second period the Wolves switched to a zone defence and managed to curb the Spinners offence to draw level by the end of the third quarter at 60-60.

In the fourth quarter, the Spinners turned up the defensive pressure, and with several Worcester players fouling out, the Spinners strength in depth started to tell.

With Andre Gayle, Porter, Steven Gayle and Ogunneye punishing Worcester on the break, the Spinners pulled away and closed out the game 89-80.

The Spinners travel to Birmingham Mets on Saturday.