It's crunch time for the region's two American Football teams as they prepare for Sunday's needle match.

Essex Spartans host Southend Sabres at the Gloucester Park Astroturf in Basildon with revenge in mind after losing twice to their rivals last term.

But the Sabres will be looking to bounce back after an opening round defeat in the Southeast Conference which hit their hopes of reaching the play-offs for a second successive season.

Spartans go into the game boosted by a 21-0 home win over Chiltern last week.

Published Friday, April 11, 2003

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