BASKETBALL: Essex Leopards have announced they will play a third of their 2013-14 home games at Southend Tennis and Leisure Centre.
While the Brentwood Centre will stage 14 of the Big Cats' 21 home games, including the pre-season match-ups with Team USA on Friday, September 6, and London Lions, on Sunday, September 22, the Garons venue will play host to seven games during their campaign.
The Big Cats defeated Bristol Academy Flyers in a thriller at the Southend venue last season, and an encouraging crowd has persuaded them to return when Brentwood is unavailable.
Robert Youngblood's team will begin their defence of the National Trophy at Southend on Sunday, September 29, when they host Bradford Dragons .
"We're pleased to be coming back to Southend," said Leopards' chairman Fred Dicker. "Considering we had very little time to promote our game there last season, we had a very good crowd and both the old Leopards and Pirates were well supported in Southend. We hope the people of Southend will turn out in force to support us, and that some of our fans from Brentwood will make the trip."
A full fixture list is available at www.leopardsbasketball.co.uk