Essex Rebels are less than a week away from making their WBBL debut and head coach Mark Lloyd is confident of what lies in wait after some encouraging pre-season signs.

The club hosted the Essex Invitational Tournament over the weekend involving derby rivals BA London Lions, as well as Dublin University (DCU Mercy).

While losing 67-53 to Lions and 57-70 to DCU Mercy despite a combined 37 points from Cat Lutz, the play-caller was looking on the bright side.

He said: “We are really grateful to BA London Lions for coming to the Essex Arena to play us and Dublin City University as we all prepare for the start of the regular season.

“Dublin have shown themselves to be the quality outfit that their reputation gives them.

“I was really happy with our performance against Lions and when our new arrivals this week, we will finally have our full group together and will step up another gear.”

He added: “Sunday was another great day of basketball with our visitors DCU Mercy (Dublin City University) showing their tremendous spirit turning the game around in the second half.

“We fought really well throughout and went in 45-38 up at the half time break but unfortunately DCU proved too strong in the third and fourth periods and turned it around for the 13 point victory”

“We look forward to further player arrivals this week as we strengthen the team further and build towards the big opening league game on Sunday against last season’s WBBL Champions Sevenoaks Suns,” concluded Lloyd.