TRAFFIC problems on the A1 coming north caused headaches inside Sport Central last night as Newcastle Eagles surrendered their unbeaten record, being beaten 94-86 by Worcester Wolves.

With two of the appointed match-day referees stranded, local referees Mark Patton and Gary Greenup had to step in the breach and team up with BBL referee Neil Gutherie. The long delay meant the game tipping off almost an hour late but it was a delay that seemed to benefit Wolves as they moved into a 5-0 lead early on. Eagles hit back with Charles Smith in particular in the groove.

In the second, with Worcester in foul trouble, Eagles turned up the heat on the defensive end to score well in transition, with Smith in imperious form throughout the first 20 minutes. Eagles were able to establish a double-digit advantage as the time ticked down to end the first half. However, a couple of sloppy late plays enabled Worcester to get back in to the game as the sides headed for the locker rooms with the Eagles in front 47-38.

In the third, Eagles continued to build the pressure on the visitors with Smith still the main instigator, although Andy Thomson was also beginning to find his range. With Darius Defoe massive on the boards rebounding well at both ends, Newcastle moved in to a 60-45 lead.

Worcester still looked dangerous though and managed to cut the gap to 64-51 with ten minutes to play, The visitors then continued that strong run into the final quarter and the Eagles were unable to reply.