BURY Blue Devils travelled to Our Ladies looking to hold on to third position in the MABL Championship after a great defensive effort in their last game against Canute.

Bart Szareko opened the scoring with a strong move inside followed by a couple of scores from the home side inside three minutes.

A three by Kin Ming Ling and Phil Stainton finding the target on fast breaks extended the lead while defensively the Devils held Our Ladies scoreless for seven minutes.

A couple of free throws by coach Mike Nichols helped Bury to a 13-4 lead to end the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Bury explode offensively with great fast breaks and Szareko hitting nine consecutive points. Scott Maffia joined the party hitting jump shots with Ergoli Togo finding the basket with ease.

Defensively a couple of mental lapses allowed Our Ladies to hit double figures but Ling hit from downtown and contributions from Stainton gave Bury some swagger as they led 38-15 at half time.

The start of the third quarter saw a defensive change for Our Ladies and Bury found themselves 5-0 down. However the visitors recovered with Stainton hitting a three and Nichols with a put back for two points. Szareko and Elliot Smith added further scores for Bury as the visitors ran out 70-44 winners.

Coach Nichols said: "I was pleased with how we set the tone defensively and when we do that the offence comes easily. Our team ball was above par and it helps when players hit shots consistently with verbal support and encouragement from the bench."