Low squad numbers cost Sabres dear as they opened the new British Senior League season with a narrow 14-13 loss to Norwich Devils.
The Southend side's technical superiority shone through early on and running-back Greg "Lightning" Crease inspired them into a 13-0 third-quarter lead with two touchdowns.
But with only 19 players to play both offense and defence, Sabres began to tire towards the end and mistakes began to creep in.
Title rivals Norwich sensed Sabres were there for the taking and scored two late touchdowns to snatch the game.
Sabres head coach Dave Barham refused to be downcast and said: "Although we suffered a very bitter loss I am still quite happy with the way we played."
Lee Young, who had carried an injury throughout the game, scored the remaining Sabres point with an extra-point kick.
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