YORK Vikings got their first-ever National League win at the third attempt - a 78-63 success away to Manchester Magic II to climb up the division four north rankings.

Adam Wright top-scored with 24 points, followed by Kev Bishop on 14 and Billy Cousins 13, but it was the team's defence that effectively won the game.

Head coach Rich Weeks said: “Despite a miserable 45 per cent foul shooting percentage, there are many positives to take away from the game - an historic first win and high-intensity defence which carried us through.”

The team return to Greater Manchester today, to take on Stockport Falcons.

Captain Daniele Cucchi said: “It was a good win on the road for us (against Magic) and we really stepped up our defensive effort. We need to work as hard for every game.”

The Vikings started with good intensity, helping to build a 10-point lead.

Magic responded with a flurry of three-pointers and some tough defence to keep 6ft 10in centre Bishop away from the basket. However, the relentless big man gathered rebound after rebound in offence and dominated inside, supported by the smaller but effective duo of Sam Perry and James Jackson.

The half ended with the Vikings six points up.

The third quarter began with some pressure from Magic that was handled by point guard Cucchi, triggering fast-break points for Wright and the versatile Jason Milner - who finished with 10 assists.

Although Manchester surged in the fourth quarter, the result was never in doubt.

The previous week, York lost their first home game at this level 83-78 to Preston-based Myerscough Academy.

Wright's return had an immediate impact as the Vikings took a double-figure lead in the first five minutes with great shooting from Russ Quinn and excellent ball movement orchestrated by Cucchi. Wright also finished as top-scorer, this time with 25 points.

However, defensive lapses allowed the Academy to gain a three-point lead by the quarter mark.

York were better in the second quarter, with Quinn raining three-pointers and Bishop blocking shots at the other end, but they still went into half-time three points down.

The second half saw the lead swing both ways. York struggled against Myerscough's full court pressure but, with 35 seconds left, they remained only three points behind and with the possession - only for a turnover and a score to put the game beyond reach.