Bradford Dragons suffered back to back defeats at the weekend which dropped them to sixth in vcars.co.uk Men's Division One.

On Saturday, Dragons lost at Team Northumbria, while on Sunday they were beaten at LSBU Brixton Topcats.

Dragons came out strong in the first quarter of the first match, restricting Northumbria's offence to 13 points in the first ten minutes. 

This was replicated in the second quarter while the visitors' offence found easy inside baskets, enabling Bradford to secure a nine-point lead at half-time.

However, Northumbria started the third period in lightning fashion on the way to a 31-point haul, which secured them a two-point lead to take into the final quarter. 

Unfortunately, the fourth period was much of the same as a tired Dragons team were unable to stop Northumbria's offensive rhythm, allowing another 21 points to be scored on the way to a 78-68 victory. 

Dragons' scoring was led by Ricky Fetske with 16 points, while Northumbria's was led by 19 points from KC Wiser.


Bradford then had the long trip to South London on Sunday and only managed eight points in the first quarter while conceding 24.

Dragons, however, picked up their effort at both ends in the second quarter as they reduced Brixton's lead to just seven points by the half-time break.

The third quarter was close as both teams worked hard at their defensive end to force each other into difficult shot attempts, leading to both teams only scoring 13. 

Once again fatigue played its part as a strong final period performance from the Topcats enabled them to secure a 67-51 win. 

Bradford's scoring was led by Fetske with 21 points, Vytenis Petkus bagging 19 for Brixton.

Dragons will now face treble-winning Essex Leopards next Saturday at Bradford College Sports Hall, Trinity Road, BD5 0JE (6.15pm).

Elsewhere, Dragons' women lost their unbeaten record to Bury Blue Devils, going down 73-45, but the under-14 boys secured an impressive 73-64 win at Durham Wildcats.