By Chris Phillips

ESSEX Pirates’ head coach Tim Lewis is relishing Sunday’s show-down with Glasgow Rocks – when they eventually get there!

The Southend based side will begin the 880 mile round trip on the day of the match.

But Lewis hopes his team can overcome that to record a shock triumph on the road.

“I’m looking forward to the game but not the journey,” said Lewis.

“Last time we played Rocks I felt we were the better side and the second or third time we’re playing sides we’re showing how much we’ve improved.

“The season isn’t long enough for us to show that fully but we want to finish off with some good results and beating Rocks would be even better than winning at Plymouth, mainly because of the journey.

Pirates were beaten at Rocks 88-54 back in December before losing 90-78 at home last month.

Lewis is therefore hoping for a case of third time lucky but he knows it will not be easy against the fourth placed Rocks who have won 13 of their 21 matches so far this season.

“They are a very talented team with good size and experience,” said Lewis.

“In Yanders and Sapp they have two quality guards and when you add Crowell into it as well they have some of the best three point shooters in the league.

“We know it’s going to be hard but they won’t be looking forward to playing us because we gave them a good game last time and just showed our lack of experience down the stretch which was frustrating.

“We have a few new plays and ideas to try out again though and hopefully the journey won’t affect us too much so we can put in a good performance.”

Pirates, who won their last away game at Plymouth Raiders, have no new injury concerns for the match.