NEWLY-APPOINTED Essex Rebels head coach Tom Sadler insists they will soon see their hard work pay off after they were beaten by Leicester Riders.

The Rebels are still searching for their first win of the Women's British Basketball League season, following the 98-75 defeat.

However, Sadler was encouraged by his side's performance in front of one of the biggest crowds of the season at the University of Essex Sports Arena.

Sadler said: "We once again were able to show sparks of really high level play but just couldn't string together a full 40-minute performance.

"There are a lot of positives to take from this game and I don't think the end result truly painted the right picture about how the game went for us.

"Credit to Leicester who battled back from being down and really pushed the momentum in the final two quarters to take the win.

"The girls have been working extremely hard, between practice sessions, s&c sessions, and individual skill sessions and it is really starting to show on the court, in game situations.

"We are all locked in and committed to getting individually and collectively better and I think sooner rather than later we are going to see that hard-work pay off.

"The girls have got two weeks off now, due to an international break in WBBL game-play and we have a lot of work to do in that 14-day period.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how far this team can grow in not only the international break but the rest of the season as well."

The Rebels came out firing on all cylinders and took a nine-point lead in the second quarter, showing their ability to compete with top-ranked teams in the league.

However, Leicester swung the momentum their way with a number of defensive stops that led to quick transition baskets.

The visitors boasted a half-time lead and never looked back, to claim victory.

Angel Waithe led the way for the Rebels with an incredible 30 points and 18 rebounds to easily obtain the double-double.

Jessy Ward chipped in 14 points for the Rebels and Cat Lutz was one point shy of her own double-double, with nine points and ten rebounds on the night.

Leicester was strongly supported by their own trio of stand-outs, with Brea Ellmore (21pts, 9rbs), Dee Hayward (19pts, 4rbs), and Holly Winterburn (19pts, 5 res) contributing big numbers.

The Rebels have two weeks off from WBBL games but return to action on November 24 against the Manchester Mystics (Home) at the University of Essex Sports Arena.