ESSEX Rebels head coach Mark Lloyd expects them to step up another gear when the new Women's British Basketball League season gets underway.

Ahead of the first game of the new league season, Essex Rebels took on BA London Lions and DCU Mercy in a pre-season friendly tournament.

Rebels, who start the campaign with a home game against Sevenoaks Suns at the Essex Sports Arena on Sunday, lost 72-65 to Dublin University and were beaten 67-53 by London Lions.

Lloyd said: "It was a great first day with two exciting games of basketball.

"We're really grateful to BA London Lions coming to the Essex Arena to play us and Dublin City University as we all prepare for the start of the regular season.

"I'm really happy with our performance (against BA Lions) and when Jessy and Angel arrive from the States in the week along with Sonya arriving from the Netherlands we'll finally have our full group together and will step up another gear.

"It was another great day of basketball with our visitors DCU Mercy (Dublin City University) showing their tremendous spirit turning the game around in the second half.

"We fought really well throughout and went in 45-38 up at the half-time break but unfortunately DCU proved too strong in the third and fourth periods and turned it around for the 13-point victory."