BRADFORD Dragons have recorded their first win of the season, defeating visitors Lancashire Spinners 92-76 in their final National Trophy group fixture.

With neither side able to qualify for the semi-finals, it was a 'dead rubber', apart from Roses rivalry and avoiding the wooden spoon

Spinners are in their second season in the top flight of the English game, having finished a respectable sixth last campaign, but, like Bradford, their roster has seen considerable change and as yet they have failed to meet the levels of 2015-16.

It was a scrappy first quarter in which both teams surrendered opportunities almost at will.

However, five minutes in, Bradford managed to take a hold on the game and closed out the opening period with a 22-12 lead.

The home side held their guests at arm’s length throughout the second period, and were 47-33 in front by half-time.

Whether it was complacency on Bradford’s part or a renewed determination by the Spinners, the third quarter was much more worrying for the hosts.

Lancashire seemed to have found their rhythm, sinking shots from distance while Bradford, on the other hand, appeared to have somewhat lost their bearings.

At the end of the penultimate period, the Dragons still held the lead but only by a much less convincing six points at 58-52.

In the final period, while it was Bradford who put the first points on the board, Lancashire continued to put the home side under pressure.

However, the visitors’ eagerness to take the game to Bradford very quickly saw them entering into foul trouble, and the game again swung in the Dragons’ favour.

For the Dragons, both American Marcus Gooding and Latvian Rihards Sulcs scored 24 points, whil Bradford’s other American, Ricky Fetske, netted 21.

Jack Hudson led the scoring for the Spinners, also with 21.

Dragons' head coach, Chris Mellor said: “It’s nice to get a win, even though we are out of the Trophy.

"I thought we played okay at both ends but our defensive concentration and rebounding need to improve.”

In the opening weekend of the National Basketball Division One campaign, Dragons are at Derby on Saturday (7.15pm) before basketball returns to the Dragons' Den the following weekend.

The Dragons host Lancashire Spinners on Saturday October 15 in the league (6.15pm) before meeting Team Newcastle University the following day, again at home, in the third round of the National Cup (4.15pm).

Dragons’ under-14s faced Lancashire Spinners Bury at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College on Saturday, losing 84-64.