WORCESTER Wolves were left in the cold by Hull Icebergs who triumphed 89-78 in National Basketball League Division One.

Wolves made the long trip north to play at the recently constructed state-of-the-art Sports Arena linked to the new football stadium.

The Worcester side sent out a first five that once again included local youngster Tom Thornton however there was still no place in the starting line up for the Frenchman Nick Vinsonneson or the returning Ben Livingston.

Worcester started brightly, with Rick Solvason hitting three three-point attempts in the first quarter.

Paul Gerald and Colin Rhooms were also quick to find gaps in the Hull defence, yet Pegler and Vesper for the Icebergs found the lethargic Wolves zone defence to be inviting and they ensured a Hull lead at the close of the first quarter 26-24.

Weaknesses

The second quarters saw Livingston introduced into the game and he responded with two three point's shots. Rhooms also continued to make inroads, yet, the defensive weaknesses of the Wolves allowed the home team to continue to dictate proceedings on the court.

The second half saw Josh Couprider and Colin Chiverton come into the game after a very quiet first half performance.

Hull, however were working hard to break down the improved Wolves defensive play with man-to-man marking being employed.

Both teams were in fact guilty of missing scoring opportunities yet the home side were hungrier when claiming rebounds and going into the final quarter the Hull team led 68-60.

Worcester started the final quarter in a positive manner with Solvason scoring well to reduce the deficit to few points. Baskets were exchanged at both ends of the court, but as in previous weeks - key Wolves players failed to take responsibility and it was left to Solvason to maintain the Wolves offensive momentum.

As the game drew to a close Hull edged ahead to secure a 89-78 win.

The result leaves Wolves with a definite seventh position finish whatever the result against Bath next week.

Their opponents in the Play-offs will be Bath or North West London. Speaking of their Play-off hopes Director of Operations Mick Donovan said: "While we have experimented in recent weeks we now need to get all of the main players performing well at the same time.

"In a one-off game we are capable of beating anyone in our league." Solvanson top scored with 27 points.