New recruit Denis Scott led a Bradford Dragons’ recovery as they won 74-67 at Medway Park Crusaders in the National Trophy.

It was the Dragons’ first-ever game in the competition, which is exclusively for clubs in Division One of the English Basketball League.

The long trip to Kent gave them a chance to measure their progress against another newly promoted team in a curtain-raiser to the new league campaign. At first it did not look good as the hosts eased into a 17-13 lead at the first interval.

But the Dragons then increased their defensive pressure, with excellent work from Scott – diving for loose balls and rebounding at both ends – helping earn a 38-31 half-time lead.

Medway fought back in the third quarter, with Adrian Fenyn starring on his way to a game high haul of 28 points to narrow the Dragons’ lead to 53-50.

They then pulled themselves level, only for a final gutsy defensive effort by the Dragons to ease them clear again.

Rihard Sulcs top-scored for Bradford with 23 points, backed up by Chris McGrew (15) and Daumants Pabrieza (nine).

Dragons coach Chris Mellor said: “I thought it was a typical early-season game, with both teams looking a bit out of sorts with what they were trying to achieve at both ends of the floor.

“Neither team shot the ball particularly well from the perimeter and we just managed to keep our noses in front throughout the second half with a good defensive effort.

“The new guys I’ve brought in are settling in well and it’s good to start with a win. But these Trophy games are really only a starter before the main course which starts at the end of October.”

The Dragons’ next game is also in the National Trophy at home to past Division One champions Reading Rockets on Saturday.

It tips off at 6.15pm at Trinity Green Sports Hall, Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford.