Erkenwald 2 maintained their top spot in the EMBL with a league victory over newcomers Spitfires. Experience prevailed over youth in this encounter but the Erks had to work hard against a young athletic and very hard working team.

Erks opened the scoring with a 3 pointer from Chris Olufeso and kept the lead throughout. All seven Erks scored in the first half as the Erks went into a half time lead 33 - 23 including 10 points from Steve Herd as he weaved in and out of the defence.

Spitfires opened the second half very aggressively with full court pressure and tough man to man defence but Erks soaked up the pressure and hit a succession of easy baskets when the defence tired to take a 52 - 32 lead mainly through Garbage Time Churches and Paul Haydan. Spitfires pulled within 12 points at the start of the fourth quarter but with Martin Overare going strong at every opportunity to rack up 19 fourth quarter points, Erks maintained their lead and ran out winners by 18.

Erks scorers: Declan McCusker 4; Chris Olufeso 6; Martin Overare 25; Steve Herd 14; John Kimani 10; Paul Haydan 4; Dave Churches 14.

Erks 2 face Cardinals next Thursday at home whilst Erks 1 travel to Forest on the same day.