WORCESTER Wolves moved into third spot in the National League Division One following a 101-83 home win over Westminster Warriors.

The London side arrived over an hour late but when the game finally started it was at a blistering pace.

Paul Gerald drove well to basket offensively and the lively forward also took some excellent rebounds defensively as the Westminster side crashed the Wolves boards.

Colin Chiverton, Josh Cooprider and Rick Solvason also scored effectively in the first quarter as Wolves went into a 31-27 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Both teams improved defensively in the next quarter as Rhys Hocking was introduced for his first game this season.

Last year's most consistent performer settled well and lifted the intensity in the Worcester defensive play.

Colin Rhooms was also introduced into the game and he responded with some telling drives to basket.

Cooprider rallied with two long range three point attempts as the Wolves took a half time lead of 50-46.

Wolves came out in the second half in inspired form and extended the lead to 10 points within the first three minutes as Cooprider unleashed two brilliant three point attempts.

Solvason worked tirelessly to free his team-mates as the home side extended their lead. The Westminster shooter Henry-Fontaine then responded for the visitors with some brilliant individual play that brought the Warriors back into the game.

Only five points separated the teams going into the final quarter which saw a devastating performance from Chiverton as he bombarded the Westminster defence with power moves to basket.

He was supported by Cooprider who maintained his shooting form and when Ben Livingston hit a three pointer to bring up the 100 points it seemed like just reward for the patient home crowd who had been made to wait for an impressive Wolves performance.

Wolves' Director of Operations Mick Donavon said: "Our concern with the delay was keeping the players focused as they had been warming up for two hours. The coaching staff must take tremendous credit for preparing the lads so effectively.

"Wwe played with real commitment and looked a very good side at both ends of the court - now we have to build on this."

Top scorers: Chiverton 26, Cooprider 25, Solvason 19. Top rebounders: Chiverton and Gerald.

Wolves travel to Derbyshire on Saturday.