WORCESTER Wolves maintained their bid for honours in the National Basketball League Division One when they beat Bath Romans 76-71 at University College Worcester.

Bath took an early lead and it took some fine play by Josh Cooprider to bring the Worcester crowd to life.

At the end of the first quarter Wolves led 17-14, but Colin Chiverton and Nick Vinsonneau were in foul trouble and Paul Gerald and Robbie Bowen were introduced.

Both defended well, and Gerald also made an immediate impact offensively as Wolves led 36-35 at half-time.

Play became sloppy as both teams were guilty of basic mistakes. But Gerald worked tirelessly to dominate the defensive boards against the bigger Bath forwards.

In the final two minutes Rick Solvason scored twice from close range for Worcester and also added a free shot to edge the Wolves ahead with 40 seconds remaining.

The crowd went from frenzied cheering to total silence as the American guard went to the foul line. His first shot rolled around the ring and dropped in and the second shot was perfect.

Seconds later Cooprider was fouled and the youngster stayed cool to make both foul shots to clinch the victory.