ESSEX Rebels face a race against time to get the full roster on the team sheet ahead of their home game against Durham Palatinates, on Saturday.

The University of Essex-based professional team were left depleted for their Women's British Basketball League opener against Sevenoaks Suns.

Rebels put on a fabulous display of heart but the reigning national champions eventually ran out 93-35 winners.

International clearance issues led to starting Point Guard Jessy Ward sitting out, with EU players Sonya Nikolova and Katia Javier also unavailable.

Leading the way with scoring with ten points for the Rebels was Sport England TASS athlete Grace Sinnott.

Essex Rebels head coach Mark Lloyd said: "I'm really proud of how hard the players worked and that they stayed mentally strong to the end of the game.

"We have had tremendous problems with getting international clearances from other national federations for four of our key players.

"To then play the national champions of the last two years without four potential starting five players was always going to be a tough task.

"I'm particularly proud of some of the younger players who stepped up and shouldered additional responsibility and will have grown as players with the added minutes that they played - this will stand us in good stead further into the season."

With licenses still being processed for the three benched players, the Rebels are hoping they are available to help them prove to the league what they can really do against Durham Palatinates, on Saturday.

The weekend also marks the start of the partnership with Essex Leopards, with the first home double header.

Essex Rebels tip at 3.30pm against Durham and Essex Leopards tip at 6pm against Barking Abbey Crusadors.