ESSEX Pirates’ woes continued over the weekend with two more defeats.

The Southend based side, who have yet to win this season, were beaten 96-65 at Newcastle Eagles on Friday night before being seen off 99-72 at home to Sheffeld Sharks just 24 hours later.

And that frustrated Pirates’ centre Adrien Sturt.

“Our two performances over the weekend weren’t the greatest to be honest,” said Sturt.

“The travelling doesn’t help but we can’t use that as an excuse because we’re a professional team and have to perform better.

“We need to play together for 40 minutes and play hard too.”

Pirates trailed 31-18 after the first quarter in Newcastle but were much improved in the second.

They rallied well and stepped things up, much to the frustration of the home side who were happy to get into the locker room after allowing Pirates to close the gap to 51-42.

Pirates could have been closer to their hosts had they not missed 11 free-throws but Eagles were soon back on top.

They were 74-53 in front at the end of the first quarter and then went on a 16-1 run to kill of the game.

Captain Sam Toluwase top scored for Pirates with 13 points, while Walid Mumuni added 12 and Taner Adu 10.

Pirates were then also beaten by Sharks on Saturday night at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

The visitors began with a 6-2 burst before compiling a 16-4 tear soon after to make it 22-8.

Pirates responded with the next eight points to cut the gap to just six.

But the Sharks led 30-23 at the end of the first quarter.

Sharks opened the second with an 11-0 burst and were 47-32 in front at half-time.

In the third quarter, Sharks surged in to a 27 point lead on the back of a 10-2 burst.

Mumuni replied for Pirates by scoring five points in quick succession but a 12-2 run from Sharks put them 77-46 ahead at the end of the third.

Pirates restored some pride in the final period with their young side winning the final 10 minutes 26-22 but it was not enough to stop a 21st successive defeat.

Toluwase again top scored for his side with 18 points while Mumuni added 15 and Dan Briglia 10.

Pirates are back in action this Saturday as they host Cheshire Jets at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

Tip off is 7.30pm and tickets are available on the door on the night of the game.