ESSEX Spartans American football team saw their nightmare season continue with a 44-8 destruction at the hands of the Kent Exiles.
The Spartans' senior side struggled in the heat as the Exiles prevailed, but it was the performance of the Billericay team's fledging youth squad that deserve the headlines, making their return to gridiron after a long absence.
Playing in a friendly scrimmage against the Exiles' own youth squad, the young Spartans can be proud of their performance as they displayed both determination and enthusiasm to hold their own against a vastly more experienced Kent side.
"It was great to finally give the guys a chance to test themselves against other opposition in a real game environment," said Spartans' youth coach Steve Mitchell.
"This experience has given them the confidence to know they can compete at this level and turn this team into a real force in youth football."
While the junior team flourished, a senior team short on numbers floundered.
A Norris Owusu kick return followed by an Osi Nzeako conversion gave the visiting team eight points, but a powerful display by the home Exiles ensured they secured a convincing 44-8 victory to give them the season sweep over the Essex outfit.
"It was a disappointing scoreline," said a reflective Spartans head coach Marc Saunders. "However, I am really pleased with how a massively depleted defence did today and our offence made significant improvements on the field."
The loss leaves the Spartans still looking for their first victory of the 2013 campaign, which they will be hoping will come when they face off against the Maidstone Pumas on June 9. Kick-off is at Hannakins Farm and set for 2.30pm.
For more, visit www.essex spartans.co.uk
