Brighton Buccaneers are facing a two year ban from European competition.

Buccs, who reached the final of last year's European Cup, have pulled out of this year's event next month due to financial constraints.

Head coach Craig Savage said: "We were last year's runners-up and, in fairness, we were favourites to win it this year, so it is a major blow."

Last Sunday Buccs enjoyed a double-header success away to Bracknell Wildfire to maintain second place in the Rawlings National League.

The first game was won 11-2 with Nick Carter being the winning pitcher.

The contest also featured a solo home run from Kevin August, who has just returned to the club from Menlo College, California.

In the second match Brighton triumphed 10-2 with Clayton Fredericks being the winning pitcher and German internation-al Rene Hertlitzus hitting two home runs.

Savage said: "I was pleased. They split a double-header with London two weeks previously which made me think they were stronger than they were.

"We are hitting the ball very hard at the moment."

London Warriors visit Pavilion Field for Brighton's first home match of the season tomorrow, starting at noon.

Savage added: "I would like to think we could at least split a double-header.

"Anything less than one win out of two will be unacceptable. I am looking to take two wins and break their season because I don't think they would come back from that."

Left-handed pitcher Mark Mills is a doubt with an arm injury but starting catcher Ed Jeffery returns after missing three matches due to illness.