BUCS Premier South leaders Essex Blades moved closer to a second league title this season after defeating Anglia Ruskin at the Essex Sports Arena.

They started the day looking to strengthen their grip on top spot, with games running out for their rivals.

ARU continued their fine 2018 form, starting the stronger of the two sides as they established a 15-8 lead midway through the first quarter.

Two late three-pointers from Cat Lutz and Jasmine Ogunjimi cut the lead, with an inside finish from Karla Powlesland ensuring the visitors' lead was just a single point at the buzzer.

A slow start to the second quarter saw buckets traded, before Monika Kucerkova established herself in the match with a savage defensive stop and a couple of inside plays at the other end of the court.

However, ARU stayed resolute and ended the half 29-26 ahead.

An early surge from the Blades in the third quarter saw the lead regained and a double-digit advantage was soon established, with Ogunjimi at the heart of the home side's best moments.

Both Powlesland and Kucerkova dominated ARU inside and with no response, ARU soon looked a beaten side as the home side secured an important 58-44 victory.

Ogunjimi was the top-scorer with 17.

Meanwhile, the Blades' men continued their fine form, defeating Oxford Brooks University on the road 89-58 to move into play-off contention.

Nick Sims once again top-scored with 20 points.