BLUE Devils were two points all after the first minute with a fast break score by Sulaiman Qadeer, but then allowed their opponents a run of 11 points without reply in this National League North West Conferance tie.

The Devils did rally towards the end of the quarter with baskets from Henry Powell, Qadeer again and Sam Nolan Massey, a field goal plus two successful free throws bringing the score back to a respectable 21-12 to Preston at the end of the period.

At the start of the second period, the Blue Devils scored six points without reply, four from Archange Mwanga and two from Matt Taylor to bring the score back to 21-18, prompting their coach to substitute his second five players for his stronger starting five. This had the desired effect with Preston scoring 10 points and only Matt Taylor with another six points offering any resistance. The score at the end of the half was 47-25 to Preston. The start of the third period was nothing short of a disaster for the Blue Devils as they failed to score for five minutes and allowed their opponents to score 17 points without reply.

In the second half of the quarter Sulaiman Qadeer offered some offensive threat scoring six points but Preston succeeded in winning the period 31-10. During the fourth quarter, the young Blue Devils showed plenty of character – losing by only one point 20-19.

The squad entertain league leaders Stockport Falcons on Saturday, tip off is at noon at Holy Cross College.