LANCASHIRE Spinners enjoyed a double winning weekend to remain clear at the top of National League Division Three North.

The Bury-based basketball outfit enjoyed a 71-57 win over a young but athletic Myerscough team on Saturday before following up with a 78-54 victory at Tameside.

In Saturday’s home game at the Bury Sports For All Centre - which proved to be a physical encounter - it was Josh Houghton who came out aggressively on the offensive end, finding his range early towards his game high 20 points.

With a 38-28 half time lead, the game was in the balance and Myerscough made a push, but the Spinners stepped up when they had to with captain Conor Porter and the man in the middle, Barry Webster, provided some much needed defensive stops as they helped the Spinners to victory.

One down side was a shoulder injury to point guard Arnold Emelone that took him out of the game but the club say he is recovering well.

On Sunday at Tameside, it was more straight forward - even after picking up a couple of injuries to big man Webster - as the Spinners romped to a 78-54 win.

At half time the Spinners were comfortable and in control of the game and leading 47-29. The players filled their roles well and gained confidence on the court with new signing, Jaxson Wroe, leading the scorers with 30 points, Joe Swindells with 18 and local lad Alex Plumb hitting eight.

Coach Mbongéni Greg Mpofu said: “At this point of the season, being able to play all 40 minutes of a contest is an important attribute for a team with our goals and ambitions.

“I’m constantly impressed with our ability to remain composed whether or not we’re playing particularly well, and are always capable of ripping off a run at a moment’s notice.

“On top of that, the players deserve credit for never taking Myerscough for granted despite their relative inexperience.”

Mpofu was also happy to see his side come away from Tameside with the win and round off a tricky double header weekend with maximum points

“Regardless of what the table, or some of their previous score lines may suggest, Tameside are a gritty hard working team that scrap from tip to buzzer, and that’s exactly the kind of challenge we enjoy,” he added.

“Double-headers are tricky in that you need to prepare the second game, whilst not overlooking the first, and vice-versa, as Tameside posed a vastly different challenge to Myerscough.

“We’ve generally done a good job of this over the course of the season, and I give all credit to the focus and intensity of the men we put out on the floor.”

The final league home game against Tees Valley Mohawks is on Saturday, tip off at 6.30pm, at Bury Sports For All Centre. Entry £2 adults and £1 for under-18s.