ESSEX Pirates head coach Tim Lewis was encouraged by his young side’s display against Leicester Riders on Saturday.

Pirates were missing five players for the BBL Trophy clash.

But they ran Riders close and, at one point, were winning by 15 points before eventually losing 80-70.

“It was hugely encouraging,” said Lewis. “When Colin (Sing) got injured early on it left us with just two players with BBL experience.

“We were very young, but they played incredibly well and were a real credit to the club.

“We were a bit ragged at times, which you would expect, but when you look at what we still have to come in it bodes well for the rest of the season.”

Pirates opened with a 9-1 charge as Andre Ellis bagged a three-pointer.

Ellis was one of five Pirates making their BBL debuts but new signings Kene Adunsionwu, Mike Mokeski, Adrien Sturt and Turner King were unavailable.

Leicester hit back with a 13-5 burst to level, with Ryan Zamroz nailing two triples, while Myles Hesson added one of his own for the visitors to make it 14-14.

Tom Sherlock put his side ahead, but consecutive baskets from Ellis sparked a 13-2 close to the opening quarter as Pirates surged into a 27-18 lead.

Hesson opened the second stanza with five more points, including a second score from beyond the arc, as Pirates saw their lead peak at 35-20.

Ellis added a second three before nine straight points from the home side helped them close the gap.

Pirates then ended the half on top as a three from Josh Pape put them 48-39 to the good.

The two teams traded baskets early on in the third quarter as Hesson stretched the advantage into double figures.

However, Leicester sprang into life, compiling a pivotal 15-2 tear to take them in to the lead at 60-57.

Zach Gachette levelled with a three-pointer before Zamroz edged Leicester in front at 61-60 heading into the final quarter.

Jamell Anderson and Sam Toluwase both gave the visitors the advantage, but their efforts were undone as the lead changed hands for a ninth and final time.

The home side recorded 10 unanswered points to move out of reach with their captain, La Taryl Williams adding four points to make it 73-64.

Pirates kept battling and despite a late three from Ellis, Barry Lamble’s consecutive baskets ended the game as Leicester dug out an 80-70 victory.

They were led by new signing, Zamroz with a 17-point haul matched by the efforts of Hesson and Toluwase, while Ellis (15) and Jamell Anderson (11) added valiant support.

Pirates will seek revenge in the reverse encounter at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre this Saturday.