Cheshire Phoenix made a winning return to BBL Championship action with a 98-86 home success against London City Royals.

Serbian forward Momcilo Latinovic was the man in form for the Nix again, weighing in with a 27-point haul as well as two rebounds and three assists in the contest.

The hosts looked in control from the outset, with Latinovic and Jordan Session combining well to hand the Nix a 23-12 first quarter advantage.

A closer second quarter followed, with Royals dangerman Matthew Bryan-Amaning impressing with an 11-point tally but unable to prevent his side from trailing 48-34 at the midway stage.

The visitors grew steadily into the contest and upped the tempo in the third as former Nix favourite Orlan Jackman netted five points in quick succession as the Royals won the quarter by a 25-23 margin.

But with the damage already inflicted early in the game, there was no late shift in momentum as the class of Latnovic and Dii’Jon Allen-Jordan (19 points and five rebounds) came to the fore.

The pair helped the Nix tie the final period 27-all, as Ben Thomas' side closed out a convincing victory in front of their fervent home support.