WORCESTER Wolves edged hosts Sefton Starlights 67-65 in National Women’s Basketball League Division Two North.

Wolves looked to start 2017 in the same form that saw them end 2016 5-1 in the league and joint second in the table.

A depleted squad contained only six fit players but included returning seniors Paula Bayon and Imogen Youd.

After a long lay-off in January Wolves started slowly until captain Bayon drove hard and finished well for their first score.

But Sefton came right back and the game went back and forth.

A successful trip to the free-throw line from Jess Dowles put Wolves 14-13 up at the end of the first quarter.

Ex-Worcester player Leila Benyahia nailed a three-pointer to give Sefton a narrow lead with five minutes to go in the half, prompting a time-out.

Wolves lifted the intensity on offence and moved the ball well.

Shanice Turner, Youd and Bayon connected with long-range triples to end the half 35-31 in front.

Short-handed Wolves tired in the third quarter against defensive pressure from Sefton who levelled the scores.

The teams traded baskets for most of the fourth quarter until Turner hit a big step-back triple to gain a two-point lead.

Sefton tied the game with 30 seconds left but Dowles stole the ball and her fine pass to Turner was finished off as Wolves held on for their sixth league win of the season.

Bayon scored 24 points, while Youd claimed 15 and 13 rebounds.

Chloe Hinett’s tally of six were her first points for Wolves.

Head coach Ryan Emery said: “Our team embraced the challenge on the road against a tough team. I was really happy with our ball movement.

“We assisted 18 out of 24 made field goals and controlled the majority of rebounds as well as shooting 42 per cent from the three-point line.”

Wolves host fellow high-fliers University of Nottingham at the University of Worcester on Saturday (6.30pm).