PHIL Stainton returned from injury to lead the scoring for Bury Blue Devils in a 70-61 victory at home to MABL new boys Tameside in the opening match of the season.

Bury's star man showed no ill effects of the fractured cheekbone he picked up in last season's play-off final as he claimed 26 points, while debutant Vitoldas Balciunas added 20 points and proved a massive presence at the boards.

The home side had to come from behind, though, as Tameside started the match full of confidence.

Bury also took a little time to gel, which is understandable after losing Chris Stainton and former player coach Mike Nichols in the summer.

But new coach Jason Knowles was happy with the way his new players slotted in as Bury fought back from 34-27 down at half time.

"I am delighted with the commitment of the team," he said.

"We started slow and looked a little disjointed at times but that is to be expected with so many changes.

"When we settled down and and got into our rhythm we looked amazing and showed why we had such a strong case for promotion last season.

"Everyone on the team contributed and there was a real team spirit when things didn't quite go our way. I was massively impressed with our new additions."

Stainton hit 11 points in the opening quarter, mainly from long range, but the Blue Devils missed some easy shots as Tameside took a 19-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Bury continued to lack cohesion in offence, while Tameside put more pressure on the ball in their half court defence and trapped hard on the pick and roll, leading to multiple fast break lay-ups, leaving Bury scrambling.

Knowles called a time out to try to settle his players but Tameside closed out the quarter strong, holding Bury to just 11 points.

The visitors started the third quarter quickly and extended their lead to 10 points before the Bury coach finally managed to steady the offence and they started to get some easier looks inside, with Balciunas getting a few baskets off the pick and roll.

Bury raised the intensity on defence and a good rotation of their big men – Stuart Jackson, Bart Szarejko, and Elliot Smith – meant they dominated on the defensive boards.

Scott Mafia and Graham Green started to attack and Bury raised their game to a different level, scoring 24 and holding Tameside to just 12 points to close out the third quarter leading 51-46.

The Blue Devils took that same intensity into the fourth quarter, limiting Tameside's scoring while Knowles made a switch to team up Stainton and Balciunas on the pick and roll and they moved up another gear.

Leon Francote, in his first game for Bury, showed good movement to get himself open for some great shots and was a calming influence with the ball in hand when under pressure as the Blue Devils kicked off their campaign with a final flourish.