Rossendale held off a spirited young, but understrength, Bolton Lads Club to notch another Manchester Area Basketball League Division One victory.

The local derby proved to be a tight affair with the league newcomers putting up a fight right in to the final quarter.

Bolton took a slender 22-19 lead at the end of the first quarter as both teams opted for a fast and furious approach.

Rossendale started the game with the intention of playing an up-tempo, pressure defence game to wear down the opposition while substituting in fresh players. And the home side came good at the start of the second quarter.

Aaron Kay was displaying some of his true quality and was scoring freely and big man Andy Chicken made good use of their height advantage as Dale stormed back to open up a 20 point advantage.

But Dale were guilty of thinking it was all over and took their foot of the gas. Bolton didn't need a second invitation and ended the quarter just nine points behind their hosts, trailing 52-43.

Bolton continued their fightback in the third quarter despite 17-year-old Mike Masser finding his eye for goal and successfully sunk two excellent three pointers.

With Bolton just five points adrift, the final quarter was going to be critical and Rossendale kept control and kept the pressure on their visitors.

And a great spell of of play by Kay, Howard, Bramwell, Turner and Evans saw Rossendale score 23 points to Bolton's 11 in the last period and Dale eventually secured 97-80 victory.

The final score rather flattered Rossendale as Bolton put up a tremendous fight despite being short of key personnel in a very competitive game.

Rossendale...97

Bolton Lads Club...80