WORCESTER Wolves made a winning start to their National League Division One campaign when they won 79-61 at Mansfield Express.

Mansfield started the stronger of the two sides and took an early lead as guard Stephen Richards found gaps in the Worcester defence.

French ace Nick Vinson-neau took early responsibility for the Wolves, however, and scored some crucial baskets, while also playing some sound defence.

Colin Chiverton who has not previously recaptured his scintillating form seen in the earlier trophy games showed signs of improvement with some fine offensive play.

Worcester's Cecil Gordon and Rhys Hocking were effective at both ends of the court and as the Mansfield team pressed throughout the game the security of Hocking and Gordon prove to be invaluable.

In the final quarter, Wolves took the initiative with Vinsonneau and Chiv-erton scoring key baskets.

The Wolves ran out winners by 18 points -- the fast improving Hocking caught the eye with some good defensive rebounding and the lively Vinsonneau made a solid contribution at both ends of the court.

Worcester game coach Stuart France said: "We defended well as a team for long periods of the game --by no means perfect, yet a significant improvement."

Solvason agreed: "We worked well together; winning on the road in the opening game in a higher league is encouraging."

Wolves scorers: Vinson-neau 21; Chiverton 19; Solvason 15; Gordon 8; Hocking 4; Fotos 4; Brennan 4; Livingston 3; France; DiGallo.