WORCESTER Wolves are confident of getting their competitive basketball season off to a winning start tonight.

They travel to Plymouth to take on Tamar Valley in their opening game in the renamed National League Division Two (7.30), hoping to build on their encouraging display against Birmingham Bullets in their final friendly last week.

"It was a good game for us last week and we learned a little bit about ourselves," said player-coach Rick Solvason, "and the guys are excited to be getting the season under way."

Wolves, who reached the play-offs in the old Division One last season, are expected to make another strong challenge this season thanks to their summer squad strengthening, with new signings Wayne Robinson, Dean Blake, Dave Jones and American Ty Shaw all expected to figure tonight.

Solvason added: "There's no question about it, we have a much stronger squad now. Ty and Dave have been fantastic, Wayne has come in and made a great start and Dean still has a back injury but in the games he has played he has done pretty well."

Newly-promoted Tamar Valley, who were Division Two South champions last season, will pose a stiff test with Solvason saying: "They are not a big side but are quite athletic and like to run and press. But if everyone brings their game with them we should be able to cope with anything."

Wolves' newly formed ladies' team also face a long trip tomorrow to East Durham for their first National League Division Two game.

The team suffered a heavy 75-29 defeat against Birmingham Force in their first competitive game in the National Cup last week.

They are without back injury victim Gloria Jenkins, but Laura Wilks has recovered from a foot injury and Emma Gowland also comes in.