Bradford Dragons started their VCARS.CO.UK Division One season with a hard-fought win over Brixton Topcats at Bradford College.

The teams couldn’t have had different starts to the season, with the Dragons topping their National Trophy pool with only one loss whereas the Topcats had finished bottom of their pool without a win.

Dragons secured a 76-68 win with an impressive final-quarter display, with Rihard Sulcs and Mark Saladzius finishing on 14 points and Ricky Fetske chipping in with 12 points.

Dragons travel to Essex on Sunday to face reigning league, cup and play-off champions Essex Leopards.

Elsewhere for Bradford, Dragons Women won their first ever VCARS.CO.UK Division Two North game at well-established side Mansfield Giants. In a thrilling game, Dragons triumphed 67-66 in a nail-biting finish.

Top points-scorer was Vilma Jurgaityte with 28, and she was followed by Aleksandra Mazjakina (13), Isalie Bloemen (12) and Rosie Pearcy (ten).

Mansfield had beaten Sunderland City Predators 110-56 and Doncaster Danum Eagles 81-51 in the Women’s National Trophy prior to this clash.

The Dragons are home to Bury Blue Devils this Saturday, tip-off at Bradford College at 4.15pm.

Elsewhere, Dragons II claimed a 20-0 win after Bradford Maroons forfeited the VCARS.CO.UK Division Four game.

The Under-18s went down 88-73 against Tees Valley Mohawks, the Under-16s lost 112-21 at Newcastle Eagles, while the Under-14s won a nail-biter against Durham Wildcats, 56-54.