WORCESTER Wolves began their build-up to the new season with a fine 86-64 win over Bath Romans.

Wolves introduced some of their new signings in the University College Worcester clash including Ty Shaw, Luke Sommerville, Ben Clarke and Geoff Sentamun.

The Romans fielded several players who secured promotion to the new-look Division One last season.

The game started at a hectic pace with some intense defence from both teams. American Shaw made an immediate impact by taking an offensive rebound and converted the first points.

Player-coach Rick Solvason, who started the game as point guard, controlled the early stages and drew several fouls from the visitors - resulting in Solvason punishing them for the free throws.

Sommerville and Colin Rhooms were introduced after five minutes and both scored with strong drives to basket.

The Wolves only fielded one recognised long range shooter in the form of Solvason, so it was hardly surprising that Worcester spent most of the time feeding the taller forwards.

Wolves established a one-point lead at half time and Shaw was dominantly the rebounding at both ends of the court.

Other players including Colin Chiverton, Sommerville and Ross Cooney were also rebounding aggressively - a major problem for Wolves last year.

The second half saw Wolves extend their lead against a surprised Bath. Paul Gerald enjoyed his new role following the introduction of the new signings.

Shaw top-scored with 27 points, Chiverton notched 18 and point guard Matt Wurmli scored two long range three-pointers.

Coach Jimmy Smith was pleased with the performance, saying: "We had specific targets for this game and overall we reached many of them. We still have a great deal of work to do."

Solvason added: "We have at least three more players to add to this team, so everyone will have to work hard to make the 10."

Wolves have made another key signing in 6ft 6in shooting guard David Jones from Mansfield.

The former Leicester Riders player, who has won seven Welsh international caps, was one of the leading points scorers in Wolves' league last season and had been chased by several clubs.

The Wolves travel to Nottingham on Saturday, then entertain Walsall next Tuesday before hosting a full-strength Birmingham Bullets on September 20 in the final pre-season game.