WORCESTER Wolves officials are working around the clock in an effort to be at full strength for their first match of the new season.

Wolves take on Solent Stars in the National Trophy at the University of Worcester next Saturday (7pm).

But they face a race against time to ensure new American signing Andrew Harper and fellow countryman Ty Shaw are both in the country for the match.

Shaw is due to fly in on Thursday, while Wolves secretary Dave Smith is working overtime on Harper's visa.

"Dave Smith is working tirelessly to make sure all the paperwork is in place so they can play on Saturday," said director of basketball Mick Donovan.

With both American stars missing, Wolves used last Sunday's friendly with East Kent Crusaders to introduce Lithuanian signings Valdas Urbonavicius and Paulius Augulis.

Wolves defeated their Division Three opponents 93-76, with Urbonavicius bagging 26 points in the victory. Colin Chiverton chipped in with 21 points, while Rob Clarke added 12.

Donovan added: "There were a lot of positives to take out but a lot to work on. It was good with the US guys not being here as the Lithuanians had to get straight into it and take some responsibility."