Sussex Thunder are determined to bury a three -year old ghost at Withdean Stadium tomorrow.

They play host to Gateshead Senators in the British play-off quarter final (kick-off 2.30pm) looking to avenge a shock 15-12 defeat in 1997.

On paper Thunder should have the strength to win and if ex-NFL running backs Anthony Stitt and Cliff Reid hit top form, it should be no problem.

But head coach, Lew Gittins, has told his players to treat the Senators with respect.

They were bitten three years ago and they have promised themselves it won't happen again.