Provisional fixtures have been announced for the upcoming American football season -- and the campaign will start with a cracker.

Southend Sabres travel to local rivals Essex Spartans on April 13 to raise the curtain on their Southern Conference Division Two programme.

Last year the Seasiders enjoyed a double victory over their Basildon-based rivals on their way to the division two play-offs.

Both local sides will be hoping to reach the top four this time, and have been boosted by a league reshuffle which leaves them with fewer long journeys to the likes of South Wales and Plymouth.

Published Friday, January 3, 2003

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