Bradford Dragons’ second team took centre stage with back-to-back EBL Division Four (North) victories over Stockport Falcons and Burnley Blaze.

The senior side were without a weekend game and the seconds certainly grabbed their moment in the spotlight, kicking off with a narrow 86-65 win at home to previously unbeaten leaders Stockport.

Bradford did not start well and the Falcons led 28-19 at the first interval and although the second period was better, the hosts still trailed 44-40 by the halfway stage. The Dragons continued to struggle in the third section before finally finding some energy and passion, leaving them 59-54 down going into the final period.

And although Stockport built up an 11-point cushion, Bradford whittled it down and finished a point clear thanks in the main to Tate Williams, who top-scored with 22 points, and Valdis Kravalis (17).

Dragons coach Samuel Messam said: “We came in to the game with no expectations other than to play hard and compete.

“The year to date has been challenging and something of a steep learning curve, with a number of young and inexperienced players accepting the challenge and wishing to learn.

“This game offered us a chance to come together as a team, to play hard and to demonstrate that we can compete on the national stage.

“We worked hard, hustled, chased after everything and stuck around long enough to come out on top.

“I am very proud of our performance. We demonstrated we have it in us and it is now just a case of repeating it week in and week out now.”

The following day’s fixture at much-fancied Burnley was also close but again the Dragons dug deep to edge a 66-64 victory after leading 36-31 at half-time and 53-45 at the final break.

Kravalis led the scoring with 21 points, while Patrick Fuerzas – the smallest point guard in the league – had a storming game to add 13.

Bradford next play Mersey Tigers at home on Saturday (4.15pm), while the first team return to Division One action away to leaders Bristol Academy Flyers on the same day.