Bradford Dragons’ bid to win their first ever National Shield final ended in disappointment as they lost a thriller to London United Richmond.

They were all square at 82-82 in the final quarter of the see-saw clash before seeing their chances go up in smoke in the final five minutes.

Dragons took the first quarter 27-20 but with point guard Daumants Pabrieza in early foul trouble, United shaded the second quarter to cut Dragons’ lead to 51-46 at half-time.

The Dragons made 18 turnovers in the game but the defence struggled to control London’s Andy Harper on his way to the MVP title and a game-high 31 points.

With the lead changing hands several times, it was United who won the third quarter to take a 70-67 lead at the break.

In the final stanza, with Dragons tiring and struggling to hold the London offence, Sean James made two from the charity strip to level the game at 82-82 with five minutes to go.

However, United point guard Caylin Raftopoulos sank two killer treys to pull the London side back in front by six and they held on to win 95-89.

For Dragons, Vance Silcott top-scored with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Aaron Kay scored 18 and James also pulled out a double double with 17 points and ten rebounds.

Dragons coach Chris Mellor said: “To concede 95 points was very disappointing as our defence has always been what we base everything around.

“We played okay in the first half but after the break they beat us in transition and we struggled to contain their guards, particularly Harper, who played very well.

“We are all obviously disappointed but if we can win the league title that will soften the blow.”

Dragons stretched their lead at the top of EBL Division Three North the previous day by inflicting only the third defeat of the season on nearest rivals Sheffield Sabres.

Dragons bossed the first period to lead 20-12 and held a comfortable 41-27 advantage at half-time.

They took their foot off the gas to allow Sabres to win the third quarter 24-9 and pull it back to 51-50 but held their nerve in the final quarter to win 73-60.

Two steals and lay-ups from Pabrieza sparked the Dragons’ revival.

Silcott top-scored with 25 points, James made 16 and Craig Wilson hit 12.

Dragons face Derby Trailblazers 2 this Saturday, tip-off 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall at Bradford College, Trinity Road.

Elsewhere, Dragons under-16s lost 62-50 at Derbyshire Arrows, the under-13s beat Barnsley 74-24, but then lost 43-32 to second-placed Hatfield Fliers, while the under-14s beat Liverpool 112-60 at home.