Great Wakering Rebels took on Colchester Stars in the National Team Championship three riders short but still picked up an 85-82 win.
Rebels boss Den Winch explained the club wanted to postpone the meeting until they could field an eight-man team.
But competition chiefs warned Great Wakering they would be fined if they cried off.
Yet the five-strong team turned in an impressive performance, with Darren Cousins recording a 20-point maximum.
The Rebels are at home to Kesgrave Hawks in the next round of the National Team Championship and face Hawbush Hammers at Barkingside in the South East League Division Two/Essex & London League this weekend.
Published Thursday, May 1, 2003
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