BRADFORD Dragons finished their year off on a high with a 81-63 English Men's League Division One victory at Leicester Warriors.

With only two wins from nine league matches so far this season, the visitors knew they could ill afford another defeat but at least Chris Mellor had a full-strength squad to choose from, with club captain Vance Silcott returning from international duty in Montserrat.

The head coach could not have asked for anything more in the first quarter as the Dragons dominated at both ends of the court to lead 33-13.

By the time the Dragons went into their locker room at half-time, the advantage had been stretched to 53-30 but they lost their offensive momentum in the third quarter, only adding nine points as the Warriors reduced the gap to 18 points.

That margin was maintained in the final quarter, however, and Mellor said: "We got off to a great start, going up 20 after the first quarter and, although Leicester played well in the second half, we managed to stay double figures in front the rest of the way.

"Our intensity was good throughout and it was nice to have a full team to select from for the first time this season.”

Jeremee Davis top-scored for the Dragons with 22 points, while Rihards Sulcs finished on 17 points and Chris McGrew on 12.

Bradford will now looking to push towards the play-offs after the Christmas and New Year break.

Their season resumes with a home double header against Manchester Magic (league) and Kent Crusaders (National Trophy quarter-final) on the weekend of January 10-11.