BASKETBALL: Airedale Kidderminster Cobras endured a tough opening to their West Midlands League Premier Division campaign with a 75-67 defeat to Wolverhampton.

But Kidderminster were clearly not overawed by the quality of their visitors who are looking for a top-three finish.

The home side were 23-14 up at the end of the first quarter with Roy Francis hitting two three-point shots from distance and Mark Thornhill using his lightening pace to great effect.

Coach Terry Cash quickly saw Wolverhampton, fielding three National League players, step up a gear with Bean showing his class.

However, Francis and Richard Miszkowski kept firing as the lead changed hands several times before the game was tied at 36-36 at half-time.

The momentum had clearly switched to Wolves though and Kidderminster struggled to disrupt their free-flowing game plan despite applying a favoured 3-2 defence.

The town side were nine points down within four minutes of the restart and despite two strong inside players from Matt Law, the damage had been done.

Strong Wolverhampton enjoyed a 10-point cushion going into the final quarter and they extended it to 67-49 with five minutes left.

Kidderminster, who had adopted a man-to-man defence, showed character to mount a mini-revival of eight points in two minutes with Craig Fielder instrumental.

But danger man Bean took control to slow the game for Wolves and take the sting out of the home side to win by seven points.

Francis top scored with 14 points for Kidderminster, Fielder added 12, Ian Marriott 10 and Miszkowski 10.

Kidderminster play games at Harry Cheshire High School on Sundays from 6.30pm and train on Tuesdays from 8pm at Waseley Hills High School, Rubery.

The club has been based in the town for around 20 years and play at a strong regional standard.