EAST Essex Sabres suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Wembley Stallions to remain bottom of the British American Football Association South Football Conference East Division Two standings.

Sabres were keen to get back onto the field after their last scheduled fixture, the local derby away to Essex Spartans, was postponed.

But the Stallions proved too good for the Sabres, as the league leaders registered an emphatic 63-0 win.

Despite the defeat resulting in the Sabres losing their opening four games of the season, head coach Lee Joseph insisted that there were positives to take from the encounter.

Joseph said: “It was a tough day against Wembley Stallions.

“We were battling against the heat and the top team in the division.

“But I have to say that I think everyone grew as a team following that game.

“As a team, I think we all took a big step forward.

“Even though we lost, I feel we grew as a team because I think this team didn’t quit.

“They played until the last play of the game.

“I feel like this is about to be a different team going into our next game.

“I’m feeling very positive about our next game.”

Joseph’s side, who are enjoying their first season at this level since being accepted into the division by the British American Football Association, knew that beating the Stallions was going to be a tough task.

The hosts went into the game having won their previous four games of the campaign and had combined a strong defence with an even stronger offensive unit.

The north-west London side displayed their capabilities with an impressive first half display.

Despite the Sabres defence’s best efforts, the Stallions were able to go in at the halfway mark with 43 points on the board.

Joseph’s men conceded a further 20 points in the second half to suffer a 63-0 defeat.

Although the visitors were unable to get any points on the board, quarterback and receivers coach Mike Muldoon believes he saw signs of improvement from the Sabres offence.

Muldoon said: “We suffered another loss but the Sabres offence is beginning to show signs of life.

“We moved the ball fairly well against a great opponent.

“Now we just need to limit the mistakes and finish drives.”

Meanwhile, defensive co-ordinator Kirk Beacham thinks that the Sabres will have learnt a lot from the crushing defeat.

Beacham said: “Although it was a tough day and unfortunately another loss, I’m proud of our players and I’m certain they learnt a lot.

“This was our toughest game, against the likely division winners on the hottest day of the year.

“It is a day that our young team can learn from and build on as we focus on our next game.”