NATIONAL League Division One new boys Worcester Wolves go into their first competitive match tonight on the back of a morale-boosting friendly victory.

Wolves defeated one of their divisional rivals, Manchester Magic, 84-80 in the final warm-up match at University College Worcester.

They will be in great spirits for this evening's National Trophy pool match opener at Coventry Crusaders (7.30) in the city's sports centre.

And Wolves, who host the return match the following Saturday, have the edge as they defeated their rivals in all four encounters last season.

Two of the matches were close but Crusaders now hope to introduce new signing Troy Selvey, a 22-year-old 6ft 8ins centre from Sacramento, if they can get FIBA clearance for him in time.

They have also captured Dave Jones but Wolves giant addition Rob Clarke, who picked up an early knee injury in training, is ready to play after court time in the tight success over Manchester.

Wayne Robinson returned from holiday for that match but Rikki Prince was still unavailable.

Ty Shaw top scored with 26 points and he was well supported by new captain Josh Cooprider's 24 tally alongside 11 from Rick Solvason and 10 from Colin Chiverton.

Coach Jimmy Smith said: "There was a great improvement in our performance from the previous week. We played with intensity throughout and scored from some fine plays. There was still lots to work on though."

Wolves led the first quarter 23-19 as Shaw threatened with his athleticism and Cooprider's long-range shooting impressed, while Ren Edmondson and Dean Blake defended well.

Recent signing Barry Lamble caught the eye with strong rebounding as Wolves extended their half-time lead to 47-35.

Determined Manchester fought back but were penalised for fouls and Solvason found his range from the three-point line.

However, Magic eventually wrestled an 80-79 lead with just a minute left before Cooprider kept his nerve to put Wolves back in front and Shaw closed off an impressive victory.

The seconds open their maiden campaign against Aston Athletic today (4pm) at University College Worcester in National Division Three West.