WORCESTERSHIRE Black Knights American football team welcomed East Essex Sabres to Kings Norton’s rugby base in Alvechurch.

The 18-month-old county club suffered a 26-0 loss against the Southend side in their first British American Football Association (BAFA) affiliate game.

With teams having to play at least three times before being accepted by the BAFA, the match brought Knights a step closer to entering the national league.

Club chairman Si Watten said: “We needed to set realistic goals.

“This game was a step into the unknown and now we know what to work on and how we can get our first points in our next game.”

With Knights’ next affiliate game against Welwyn Hatfield Mosquitos on Sunday, September 4, Watten and head coach Richard Smith are confident of an upturn in fortunes.

Proud Smith said: “They performed admirably on both sides of the ball against a strong and experienced Essex team.”

Knights are hoping to attract more players and interest.

Watten added: “It is a matter of reaching fans and letting them know we exist and we are always welcoming new players.”