A superb opening spell helped power Bradford Dragons to an 88-51 victory at struggling Tees Valley Mohawks as they kept in touch with the EBL Division One pacesetters.

The Dragons locked down their hosts to blast into a 25-6 lead by the end of the first quarter and although the second period was closer they still held a comfortable 45-20 lead at half-time.

Bradford eased further clear in the third quarter to lead 65-36 at the final break, despite the Mohawks’ best attempts to reduce the gap. The Dragons then also won the last quarter by eight points to close out the game.

Michal Ciesla top-scored for Bradford with 22 points, Rihard Sulcs adding 20 and Chris McGrew 14.

Dragons coach Chris Mellor said: “We played a good game throughout. Our mentality was good and our defence was consistent over the four quarters.

“It’s nice to get a good win first game back after the break to keep us in contention for the second half of the season.”

A good weekend for the club also saw the men’s second team win their fifth game in succession, 72-47 at Mold Magic in EBL Division Four.

And the Dragons women’s team maintained their 100 per cent record with a 49-30 victory at second-placed Harrogate Raiders in the Leeds League.

The rapidly improving under-14s boys lost narrowly 58-57 in the league at Durham Wildcats.

The senior Bradford team’s next game is at home to PAWS London Capitals on Saturday. The match at Trinity Green sports hall, Bradford College, starts at 6.15pm.

It will be preceded at 4.15pm by the Dragons second team taking on city neighbours Bradford Maroons.