A STARNGELY hesitant Solent Stars team looked very unsure in the first period of the National Trophy home fixture against Coventry Crusaders at Fleming Park, but recovered to record a 76-70 victory.

Too many turnovers were the main feature of their play until Marlin Capers took a rebound off his own defensive board and sprinted down court to score a lay-up that brought Solent to within two points of the Coventry total. Then Ollie Marsh came off the bench to score two quick baskets that gave Solent a two-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second period of the game was also close, Solent's main scoring contributions came from Chris St Omer and Marlin Capers as half-time was reached at 33-33.

It took until the fifth minute of the second half when Mark Jackson stole the ball twice to help Solent open a six point lead (45-39), which had been cut to four by the end of the quarter.

Solent never lost the lead in the final quarter, but it took until the last minute before a home win was certain.

Solent stuck to their guns and with Mark Jackson's steals and points from Capers, Nick O'Harabe, Phil Long and Jackson himself Solent eventually came away successful in their first competitive outing of the season.

SOLENT STARS 76 (15, 33, 56)

COVENTRY CRUSADERS 70 (13, 33, 52)

SOLENT SCORERS: Marlin Capers 25, Nick O'Harabe 16, Mark Jackson 13, Ollie Marsh 10, Chris St Omer 6, Melvin Ojadi 4, Phil Long 2.