THE Southend based Essex Pirates are the newest side to have joined the BBL.

Put together by Great Britain’s under 20 coach Tim Lewis, the Pirates enjoyed a solid first season last time around, winning seven of their matches.

The side, who play their home games at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, developed and improved as the season progressed and continue to give young British players an opportunity to impress.

For, unlike most of their rivals in the BBL, the Pirates do not rely on foreign imports and included just one non British players in their squad last term.