ESSEX Pirates clocked up a century of points for the first time ever as they ran the high-flying Newcastle Eagles close on Saturday.
Pirates eventually went down to a 117-104 defeat at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.
But their performance delighted head coach Tim Lewis whose side managed just 46 points against Eagles in their previous meeting.
“For large spells I don’t think you would have been able to tell which team was at the bottom and which team was at the top because we played really well,” said Lewis.
“It was the most points we have ever scored in a game and the first time we have managed to get more than 100.
“We did eventually run out of steam a little bit towards the end but Newcastle are an experienced side who have won leagues and cups and to match them like we did was fantastic. “
Pirates are at home to Cheshire Jets on Saturday, tip-off 7.30pm.