BURY Blue Devils coach Jason Knowles praised his side's grit and determination as the MABL Championship side ground out a win to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

The Bury-based side beat Tameside Trojans 63-57 on Friday but had to do dig deep for the result.

After the game Knowles said: "It wasn't pretty at times but we got the win.

"They were a tough team and you can't perform at your peak week in week out.

"It's the scrappy games such as this one which we need to win, and which will make a difference at the end of the season."

The Devils were full of confidence going into the game following a couple of weeks off

A quick-fire first quarter gave the hosts a slim lead into the break thanks to seven points from new signing Vitoldas Balciunas, and a triple of threes from Phil Stainton and Graham Greene.

The second quarter was much the same with Stainton adding a further 11 points as Bury took a comfortable 36-26 lead into half time.

The smaller Trojans team began to play a "guards" game in the third period, often running at the Bury players and either drawing fouls or making easy lay-ups.

The hosts were restricted to eight points in the quarter but maintained a slender 44-41 lead.

Bury adopted an aggressive man-to-man help defence with the steady hands of Scott Maffia and Knowles controlling the play on the offence. With the experience of Stu Jackson and Ergoli Togo on the court, Bury managed to see out the quarter by three to secure the win.