ESSEX Pirates began their pre-season schedule with a 94-62 defeat at home to the Mersey Tigers tonight.

In a match which was played to raise money for the Mayor of Southend’s chosen charities, Andrew Thomson opened the scoring for the visitors.

Andre Ellis added two baskets as the Pirates levelled up at 8-8.

The teams were also tied on 12 before David Aliu's three pointer gave Mersey the initiative and they surged into a 20-12 lead after the opening 10 minutes.

James Jones sunk an early three before Tafari Toney scored seven points in a 9-4 burst for the visitors, to lead 34-18.

Colin Sing responded with a three pointer although baskets for James Griffiths, Andrew Sullivan and Thomson increased Mersey's advantage.

Jones stepped up with his second score from beyond the arc prior to Manuel Pena's late basket seeing the home side trail 50-31 at half time.

Jamell Anderson opened the second half scoring before the Tigers stormed clear with 14 unanswered points to make it 64-33.

Russell Jordan and Marcus Knight added baskets for the home side but seven points from Great Britain captain, Sullivan put the visitors in total control, leading 77-41.

But the Pirates did give their supporters something to cheer about with an encouraging final quarter performance- edging it 21-17 in terms of points.

Chris Gaines added an early three but Knight instigated a 14-2 burst with six points of his own. Mersey hit back with a 10-2 response including three pointers from Jones and Griffiths.

However, Pirates' Great Britain under 20 international, Myles Hesson ended the game with an emphatic dunk as the Pirates went down 94-62 to an impressive Mersey Tigers outfit.

New recruit, Toney led the Tigers with a game high 18 points while Jones and Gaines added 13 points each.

Knight led the home side with 15 points while Sing (11) and Ellis (10) added support.

MORE TO FOLLOW