BASKETBALL: Swindon Sonics opened their National League season with a hard-fought 75-67 victory away to UWIC Archers in Cardiff on Saturday.

Sonics included new signings Oliver Sauer, Apollo Gayle and David Garcia in their squad and the team took time to gel early in the game allowing UWIC to hold a 19-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

UWIC extended their lead to 11 points after three minutes of the second but Sauer and Stan Wheaton began to control the boards at both ends and at the half Sonics led 31-34.

Sonics began to take control of the game in the third quarter as they restricted the UWIC offence and with Gayle, Wheaton and Sauer scoring well they led 51-46 going into the final quarter.

A three-pointer from Garcia at the start of the final quarter confirmed Sonics control and they extended their lead to 11 points with three minutes remaining.

UWIC were forced into clock-stopping fouls sending the Sonics to the free throw line where they should have sealed the game, but missed nine from 12 and some quick scores by UWIC saw them get close until two scores from Wheaton in the final minute secured victory.

Scorers: Stan Wheaton 21 points, Apollo Gayle 18, Oliver Sauer 15, Richard Moses 11, Matt North 5, David Garcia 3, Chris Jones 2.

Sonics first home game is on Sunday, October 28 against new team Plymouth Marjon Canons at the Link Centre, jump ball 4pm.