WORCESTER Wolves are targeting play-off glory after their under-18s finished in the top two for only the second time in the academy’s history.

Wolves boasted a record of 14 wins and four losses as they came just three points behind Newcastle-under-Lyme College Knights in the West Midlands U18s Development League.

Captain Daniel Cox said he was proud to lead the team to next month’s play-offs in his final season and said they were relishing the challenge ahead.

“This was my fourth season with the Wolves junior programme, so its been fantastic to finally get a decent league position,” he said.

“It’s my first top-half finish, let alone top two. It’s been a great team to be a part of and an absolute privilege to lead the boys in our final season. Bring on the play-offs.”

After deciding to focus their efforts on one under-18s side, Wolves, boosted by a number of new players, got off to a strong start.

They cruised to a 155-23 victory over Bournville Bears at the University of Worcester Arena before defeating Shropshire Warriors 83-70.

Victories over Birmingham Met and City of Birmingham followed as Wolves extended their winning streak to four.

Back-to-back losses to leaders Newcastle ended their run but Worcester bounced back with wins over Redditch Rapids and Bournville. Wolves beat Shropshire 86-62 but ended 2015 on a disappointing note, losing 72-47 to Birmingham Mets.

A narrow 65-61 victory over City of Birmingham gave them hope for 2016 and saw head coach Tom Cox finish his time at Wolves on a high.

Jon Miller took over the reins and they won six of their remaining games, starting with a 86-43 triumph at Redditch.

Newcastle beat them again but Miller’s side saw off Bournville, Shropshire, Birmingham Mets, City of Birmingham and Redditch to clinch second spot in the table.

Miller said: “I was privileged when asked to step in and take over the head coach role from Tom. I knew what a great job he had done in turning the team round and wanted to carry on that work.

“They are a great bunch of lads who work hard but most importantly work for each other as a unit.

“I couldn’t be prouder of how the season has gone for them and they deserve every success.”