A PROMISING start to the season continued for Lancashire Spinners with two wins over the weekend, including a 92-67 win against Birmingham Mets in the group stage of the Patrons Cup and an 89-66 win against Prestons College in the National Cup.

On Saturday, the Spinners hosted English Basketball League Division Two rivals Birmingham, who were promoted last season after a second-place finish in Division Three.

Spinners controlled the game from start to finish, winning each of the four quarters and rotating all the players on the bench for fairly even minutes.

Aitor Estrada finished top points scorer with 17 after hitting five three-pointers.

Conor Porter put in a fine all-round display, finishing with 15 points, three assists and three steals, while Steven Gayle added 14 points and 10 rebounds and Mark Rangeley shot well in the second half for 11 points.

On Sunday, Prestons College – a new-look Division Four team coached by former NBA star Malcolm Leak – faced the Spinners in the first round of the National Cup.

Preston acquitted themselves well, putting the Spinners under pressure in what was a physical match, but their lack of depth and experience eventually told.

This time it was Rangeley who top-scored with 17, with Gayle and Vaughan adding 13 and 12 respectively. Kenny Ogunneye impressed with four slam dunks and some aggressive rebounding.

Assistant coach John Lindsay said: “I think our strength in depth is starting to show and that’s the encouraging thing.

“We’ve had eight different players score in double figures in the first three games, everyone is contributing.”

Spinners do not play again until October 4.

Lancashire Spinners earlier officially announced their arrival at the Castle Leisure Centre in Bury by hosting a charity game in aid of the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity.

The Spinners, who play in Division Two of the English Basketball League, recently moved to the town after outgrowing Haslingden Sports Centre in Rossendale.

The players provided two hours of basketball including an array of slam dunks and long-range shooting in an event which raised more than £1,300.

Club captain Steven Gayle said: “What a brilliant night. We are all so pleased that Josh was able to be here and enjoy the show. We’re delighted so many people were able to come and support Josh and the launch of the Spinners.”