AFTER relegation from the Manchester Premier League Bolton Basketball Club tipped off their bid to gain immediate promotion with a home clash against Canutes second team.

Mike Nichols attacked from the start, scoring the first nine points to set the tone. Stu Jackson and Nick McCarthy then joined the offense, getting inside position for easy scores.

Defensively Bolton were tough, pressuring the ball and looking to cause havoc whenever the visitors had the ball.

Ste White's introduction in the second quarter saw him torch the net for 15 points in the quarter, including two threes, ensuring Bolton had a lead of 49-33 at the half-way stage.

Bolton's offensive philosophy was to move the ball and find the open man for the easy score. With McCarthy cutting well and Stu Jackson setting wall-like screens and freeing up players, the movement and simple scores came easy.

Greg Sanderson became involved in the offense by stealing the ball and taking it strongly to the basket for scores. Richard Seddon played defensively tough.

Despite a heavy advantage, Bolton never eased up and kept all hopes of a comeback at bay, running out 97-69 winners.

With the improving play of McCarthy and the additional inside size of Jackson, Bolton look in good shape for league honours.