BRADFORD Dragons can be proud of their efforts on a bumper double weekend last Saturday and Sunday, as they came agonisingly close to pulling off two wins from two.

The National Basketball League Division One schedule pitted them against struggling Thames Valley Cavaliers, and though Bradford hard to work hard on their home court at Calderdale College, they came away with a 91-83 victory.

But few were backing the Dragons on Sunday, as they came up against Derby Trailblazers, who have only lost once all season.

Their title charge almost suffered a dent at Calderdale College though, with a thrilling contest ending 87-85 in favour of the visitors.

Those results leave Bradford seventh in the 14-team table, with a record of four wins and five defeats, ahead of their final game of the Christmas break at home to Nottingham Hoods, who they will overtake with a victory.

That game takes place at Calderdale College at 6:15pm this coming Saturday, with tickets available on the Dragons' website.

New Dragons signing Justin Williams, a young American point guard, was the star of the show in both of their games at the weekend.

He top scored against Thames Valley with 25 points, then repeated the feat against Derby by racking up 25 points once against.

Against the Cavaliers, the Dragons had established a narrow 42-37 lead at half-time.

But a poor third quarter meant the visitors pulled level at 62-62.

But with Dave Walsh (20 points) and Micah Savery-Richards (18 points) also in good scoring form, the Dragons eventually pulled away to win by eight points.

The following day, Bradford were 22-17 down after the opening quarter, but reduced the gap before half-time, and were only 43-40 behind at the break.

Both sides scored 25 points apiece in the third quarter, meaning that even though Bradford edged the final one 20-19, they had to stomach a narrow defeat.

Jordan Whelan backed up Williams' second successive 25-point haul with 19 of his own, while Savery-Richards impressed once again with 14 points.