BURY Blue Devils’ early season winning streak was ended on Monday night in a 73-53 defeat at Chorlton.

The Manchester side had done the double over Bury last season.

But after the Blue Devils built on their opening-day win at Bolton with a 78-58 victory at home to Tameside, they made the trip to Chorlton in confident mood.

“The game was decided on intensity and smart plays,” said coach Mike Nicholls.

“Chorlton outsmarted us with great movement while we couldn’t take advantage of our speed and shooting ability.

“Adjustments need to be made in preparation for our trip to Warrington next Wednesday because for a side that should be competing for honours, this was a definite learning curve.”

Chorlton finished the opening half 10 points up and doubled their advantage in the final two quarters.

Jay Knowles was consistent at guard and Phil Stainton began to heat up from the perimeter yet Chorlton countered with great movement leading to easy baskets.

Bury struggled to box out defensively and hit the target on offence. It was a different story last Friday, when Charlie Cuthbert and Phil Stainton opened up the scoring against Tameside, helping Bury to a 22-16 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Knowles controlled the offence well as Cuthbert hit three shots from downtown, extending the lead as Egoli Togo and Dave Avery also made baskets with great inside passing, while Bart Szarejko played tough defence, helping Bury to a 42-30 lead at half time.

After only scoring 10 points in the third quarter, the visitors pulled within seven at 56-49 until Cuthbert and Graham Greene hit three point shots and the defensive intensity improved.

And with Chris Stainton making baskets inside, Bury pulled away to record a 20-point victory.