AVON Valley Spartans are still looking to develop both their local and National League standing after a successful season in the West Midlands League.

The club rounded off the Sum-mer Conference with a home out-ing against Hagley Hawks that saw the visitors start the match with a 63-point lead in the handicapped system.

The Spartans have been using the league to develop their outstanding junior talent ahead of a move to pastures new next season.

They took a mere four seconds to find the basket and did the bulk of the scoring although the handicap saw them trail 88-57 at half-time.

Relentless second half pressure paid off the Avon side as they entered the final period an amazing 101-92 ahead before ending the game winners by 21 points at 132-121.

They now go into the cross-over semi-finals in the knowledge that they have defeated two Premier League teams with a reputation that is growing rapidly.

Captain Tom Thornton led the scoring spree with 24 points, a tally matched by Hopkins as ten players got on the scoresheet.

For more information about this ambitious club, ring Ron Dadge on 01386 554070 or George Fraser-Barker on 07944 162030.