Brighton Cougars and Bognor Pirates both need a boost in this weekend's NBL division two south programme.

Cougars are reeling from an 87-62 defeat at lowly Colchester which assistant coach Mike Blatchford described as "embarrassing".

Colchester started the second quarter with a 14-5 run to break open a close game and they never looked back.

Blatchford said: "Colchester clearly had more energy than we did and really wanted the win."

Forward Steve McQueen believes his side can still win the league but has urged them to dig deep.

Cougars go to Brixton tomorrow and McQueen said: "We have got to bring our hard hats, our cover-alls and our work boots with us.

"We are a good team but we need to win our four games before Christmas and, for that to happen, people have got to start learning their roles."

James Ashcombe led Cougars in scoring at Colchester with 19 points. Ramy Malik added 13 and Gareth Morgans ten.

McQueen, who also referees, takes charge of his first NBL game today.

Bognor Pirates have lost starting centre Matt Wakeling until the New Year after he suffered major ligament damage to an ankle.

Coach Dave Goss said: "We are under-achieving. There is a serious lack of confidence on offence but no problems with effort levels or our defence."

Confidence will soar if Pirates get a win today. They host unbeaten Tamar Valley (7pm).

Sussex Sonics are targeting second spot in the third division (south) of the wheelchair basketball set-up.

Their most recent success was by 52-35 at Hampshire Harriers.

Sonics, who have a squad of 16 players, host Outlaws II at Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre tomorrow (10.30am).