WORCESTER Wolves women rallied from a slow start to beat Cardiff Met Archers II 55-39 to progress in the National Cup.

Eryn Morton’s double-double effort in front of over 100 spectators led the city hosts to victory.

Wolves started with five first-year players and started slowly, going 13-5 down in the first quarter.

But after the nerves settled defensive energy and effort saw them only allow Cardiff 10 points across the second and third quarters while scoring 37 of their own.

Heading into the fourth, Wolves withstood pressure and executed offensively to ensure Bristol Flyers head to Worcester on October 29 in the next round.

Head coach Ryan Emery said: "Overall, it was a good game for us. We needed the team to have a good start. It was good to watch how our players reacted to this challenge in front of a decent crowd.

"I am happy our players continued to focus on themselves and trust how we want to play and as a result we were able to get the win."

Captain Dalia Jakubaityte said: "We struggled in the first quarter but managed to set our minds in the right direction and get the win.

"There were a lot of positives to take. Now we see we need to work on more and we will fix that for the next game. We are a new team, still learning how to work together and we will learn from our mistakes."

Morton top scored with 12 points and added 11 rebounds but others scored eight, seven or six.

Wolves played with two sets of five so no one played more than 22 minutes.

Emery added: "It is a different way of coaching that isn’t popular among coaches.

"Having two groups of five that change every three to four minutes allows us to play at a high tempo for all 40 minutes with players knowing they can work hard and then get a rest and let their team-mates take over.

"It is a great example of the journey we are on. We are a very deep team and it says a lot about the group we have that they are willing to give me playing time so we can succeed."

Wolves host Ipswich on Saturday at the University of Worcester St John's Campus (4pm) before the men's seconds play Sheffield Hallam Sharks II (6pm).