An unexpected transatlantic call resulted in a Texas University basketball team taking to the court against Southend Scorpions.

A call from Pat Cunningham, coach at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, to Scorpions player Carl Robertson saw the contest created.

And Scorpions coach Moira McCann was delighted to be able to host the Americans at Thorpe Hall School.

“The University were visiting the UK for a students team building exercise and wanted to set up a couple of games against UK teams,” explained McCann.

“The group were about 40 strong, including supporting family and coaches.

“The game was played at Thorpe Hall School, a fantastic sports facility, and proved to be a close competitive match up.

“The court was decked out with the American flag and stars and stripes bunting to make the guests feel at home and it was great to have them with us.”

The visitors triumphed 91-86 but McCann thoroughly enjoyed the game.

“The game itself was a closely contested affair which saw Scorpions’ outside shooting put them ahead,” said McCann.

“Trinity’s superior fitness and depth kept them in touch and eventually they took a one-point lead into the half-time break.

“Trinity went further ahead and then held on to take a well deserved victory. At the end of the match the teams exchanged mementos, with the visitors presenting Scorpions with Trinity University T-shirts and key rings.”