THE MAYOR of Southend, Councillor Ann Holland, is delighted to have teamed up with the Essex Pirates.

Tim Lewis’ team will take on the Mersey Tigers in a match to raise funds for the mayor’s charity at the Southend Tennis and Leisure Centre on Saturday September 11.

And she is certain it will be a successful evening.

“It’s going to be a fantastic night – and all raising money for stroke, disability and Arts projects,” said Holland.

“I want the funds I raise this year to benefit as many local people as possible, that’s why I created an umbrella charity to cover a wide range of worthy causes.

“Our huge thanks go to the Essex Pirates for supporting the charity by putting on this special match.”

Pirates triumphed seven times in their debut campaign in the British Basketball League last season, and are now looking to build on that this season.

Their first league game is at Cheshire Jets at the start of October and head coach Tim Lewis will use the Tigers as preparation for what lies ahead.

“This is a great opportunity to start the season with a fairly friendly game against the Mersey Tigers,” he said.

“In fact we have a whole series of games that weekend, which we are looking forward to.

“And we hope it will be a really successful evening for all involved.”

The Tigers are coached by Tony Garbelotto, who hails from Essex and is excited to be coming back to his roots.

“The Mersey Tigers are extremely happy to be starting our pre-season schedule with a game against the Essex Pirates,” said Garbelotto.

“Tim did an incredible job last year with his team and I am sure that this season the Essex Pirates will grow even more, both on and off the court.  “I played lots of basketball growing up in Essex and know that there is huge potential for the game in the area.  “I hope a high profile pre-season game like this will get lots of new people interested.”

Tickets are available on the door on the night, or in advance from Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

For advance bookings call 07768 372686.

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