WORCESTER Wolves women re-ignited their play-off hopes with back-to-back wins in National League Division Two North.

After a torrid February which saw Wolves fail to register a win, Ryan Emery's side beat Sheffield Hatters 64-45 and Barrow Thorns 56-49 to get their season back on track.

Wolves were shorthanded last Saturday, but a good start to the game against Sheffield saw them move 14-8 in front.

The visitors closed the gap to within one point before Jess Dowles scored to swing the momentum back in Wolves' favour as they finished the half 32-17 ahead.

The third quarter saw Wolves play their best team basketball of the season, with Dowles landing 10 of her 19 points as she had great service collecting passes from both Toma and Greta Puolkatie.

As a result of this impressive offensive display, Wolves extended their advantage to 53-27.

Sheffield made a run in the final quarter, but the hosts executed down the stretch to secure a comfortable win.

On Saturday, a much-changed Wolves came up against a Barrow side who had got better as the season progressed, but Paula Bayon rattled in three triples, including a long range step back shot.

Worcester opened up a 30-19 lead at half-time, but Barrow start the second period brightly, scoring seven unanswered points which prompted a quick time-out by head coach Emery.

The away side continued their good form as they got within four points heading into the fourth quarter, but Wolves closed the game out with back-to-back threes from Imogen Youd and Bayon to seal the victory.

Bayon was top scorer with 17 points while Dowles had another double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds but did suffer from foul trouble.

Emery said: "First of all I have to give credit to Barrow as they came here with a great game plan and executed it very well.

"That being said we weren't ready for the challenge.

"Our saving grace was that we did enough in the fourth quarter to get us over the line.

"I was really happy with the minutes and energy Georgia Hart and Lucy Forster gave us. They took their opportunity very well in their roles.

"Getting two wins like that was great for our confidence which was shot after a tough February.

"We have to continue this going forward into this weekend’s games and try to secure our play-off spot, which is something that we have never done before."

Wolves travel to Mansfield today (4.15pm) before returning to the University of Worcester for their last home game of the regular season against Derby tomorrow (6.30pm).