WORCESTER Wolves will be aiming to clinch a National Trophy quarter-final spot when they tackle Manchester and Teeside in a basketball double-header this weekend.

Two victories in the two tricky away legs will practically cement Wolves' place in the last eight of the competition.

However, with the Teeside Mohawks romping away with Worcester's pool, second-placed Wolves are focusing on runners-up spot in their group which will see them through.

They lost 115-82 to the Mohawks last Saturday, but having already claimed the Manchester scalp once this season in their home leg, coach Rick Solvason is looking for a repeat dose later today.

"I've told the guys we can progress in this competition," he said. "We are well aware that Teeside are the class team in our pool.

"We lost to them over the weekend and they are the top side. However, if we can beat Manchester it will go a long way to setting us up for the quarter finals in January."

After today and tomorrow's games, Worcester will complete their pool matches with a home match against struggling Hull, a game they are expected to win.

For coach Solvason, victory at Manchester will set them up perfectly before they begin their National League Division One campaign on November 10.

"It will be tough at Manchester, we know that," he added. "They took us a bit too lightly in Worcester and lost the match. They will obviously want to beat us at their place, but I am confident we can get a result.

"The squad is very confident despite the defeat at the weekend. We played with Teeside for about two-and-a-half quarters so we have to be positive about that. They, without doubt, will win the pool so we have to focus on second place."

The schedule, however, has been unkind to Worcester. After playing Manchester today, they have to immediately travel to the North East for tomorrow's clash.

"It's rare that we have games so far apart," he said. "We'll cope though and hopefully return with at least one win."