Gary Smith saw his Worthing side open with a win, then admitted: "We can play a lot better than that."

New-look Thunder eased past below-strength visitors Solent Stars 109-86 in their first Trophy match of the season.

The outcome was never in doubt once the hosts had produced a run of 20 points to four either side of the first interval to open a commanding 41-25 lead.

That advantage stretched to 33 points by the end of an impressive third quarter but Smith admitted his much-fancied squad had only given glimpses of what they could do.

Coach Smith said: "None of our guys played particularly well but they did what they had to.

"The plus for me was that we gave a balanced performance. We have got good players coming off the bench which we haven't had in other games.

"When we play Solent again I am expecting us to step up. We have to, but to not play well and still win by 20-odd points has to be pleasing."

Thunder were Wembley runners-up last term. They have since lost Corey McGee and Vandale Thomas but look better equipped to go all the way this time round.

The efforts of Sean Hampton will be pivotal to their hopes.

He eased himself back into NBL life with 30 points on his return from a season in Cyprus but there is a lot more to come.

The same goes for Paul Mundy-Castle, who had a mixed night. Last season's player-of-the-year produced some magical moments but also missed successive free throws, which is virtually unheard of, and ended the evening on the bench after picking up two techninal fouls.

The real plusses were the efforts of some of the new boys. Marvin Addy in particular was quietly effective all round the court and looks a good acquisition from Westminster.

Mark Vengoe made a quick impact by going to six points and three fouls in virtually no time.

And Smith was pleased with the efforts of James Brame, who produced a handful of nice passes but understandably looked to be on different wavelengths at times to his new colleagues having transferred from Brighton Bears.

Dwayne Martin enjoyed a solid return to the side while Gaylon Moore was at his most productive early on as Thunder went 21-14 up, were pegged back to level terms and then produced that decisive five minute burst.

They led 57-42 at half-time, stretched that in some style in the third period before allowing a battling Solent side to regain pride in the closing stages.

Steve Nelson's return to Worthing colours was delayed by work commitments but he received a warm ovation from supporters when he turned up to watch the closing stages.

Smith confirmed he would be drawing on Nelson's expertise and experience in a coaching role as they plot Thunder's assault on league and cup honours.

The good news is they have plenty of talent with which to work.

Thunder scorers: Hampton 30, Moore 24, Martin 21, Mundy-Castle 13, Addy 13, Vengoe 8.

Brighton Bears were being promised a gruelling few weeks as their new men finally teamed up in Sussex this morning.

Official training was delayed by the cancellation of flights from the United States although players have been working out on either side of the Atlantic.

New boys Randy Duck and Sterling Davis were expected to join up with the squad at their new base in Falmer today.

Coach Nick Nurse has lined up morning and evening training sessions every day plus work in the weights room.

He said: "It will be like that for a month, even when we are playing matches. It is a bit of a late start but a lot of teams are in the same boat. We will be fine."

Nurse expects to add another American to his squad and has room for two Englishmen, one of whom could be Chris Wright.

Bears play Newcastle on Friday and Chester on Saturday in the Birmingham pre-season tournament (both 6pm) and will stage a free coaching clinic at the court on Brighton seafront next Sunday (2-4pm). This will also be a chance for fans to meet the players.