BOLTON hosted National league division three team MBC Giants who are the Manchester Giants feeder team, in the first round of the cup.

Bolton's offence was ran well, hitting the open player on the break. Nick McCarthy playing on an injured foot hit two three pointers to keep Bolton close as the home team trailed by three after one quarter.

Bolton kept running the break with Ste White the main contributor hitting seven consecutive points. The visitors' height advantage was utilised as they pounded the ball inside for easy buckets and led by five at the half. Bolton's strength was with their speed as White continued to hit shots close to the basket.

Mike Nichols was getting shots inside while Richard Seddon proved to be a force inside taking it strong to the hole.

Mark Brinnegar, after going off after injuring his knee, couragously came back to add hustle to the game. A 13-0 run ended the third quarter with Bolton down by one. Bolton kept it close but some critical misses at the end of the game gave the visitors the victory 107 to 98.

Nick McCarthy hit five three pointers for his 15 points while also rejecting a shot tremendously from the ring on a bad ankle.

A good lesson for Bolton against National League talent who should do well in the Manchester Premier Division. Nichols and White led scorers with 26 and 23 respectively.