21st December 2002 - Bournemouth Raiders take BSFL 5 on 5 crown
Going into Beach Bowl II, Bournemouth Raiders held a half game lead over the Leicester Eagles in their battle for the BSFL 5 on 5 title. Both teams were disappointed not to have reached the Championship Group of the tournament, but there was still a title at stake in their game in the 4th/5th/6th playoff group. With the scores tied at 12-12 with a minute to go which would have given the Eagles the title, rookie Duncan MacGregor intercepted the Eagles QB and returned it for a TD which gave the title to the Raiders. Click here to see the table.
17th December 2002 – Easter Bowl I senior 5 on 5 tournament
After the success of Beach Bowl II in Southampton at the weekend, and the organisers are looking to organise a senior flag 5 on 5 competition in April (date to be agreed). This will be after College Bowl XVII so hopefully some teams from the BCAFL will be interested in joining the tournament, and hopefully before the start of the BSL to maybe get some of those teams in. The organisers are looking to hold the competition in either Birmingham or Leicester.
15th December 2002 - Southern Sundevils defend crown at Beach Bowl II
Last year in bitterly cold weather condition, the Beach Bowl should have been called the Ice Bowl. This year, undoubtedly, it should have been called the Mud Bowl! The photo below does not do the conditions justice as nine teams (an increase on last years numbers) entered this senior flag 5-on-5 tournament which is growing in stature. Held in Southampton (many thanks to Russ Hewitt for organising the pitches at late notice), teams travelled from Bournemouth, Derby, Leicester, Birmingham to join a number of other local sides in a fantastic tournament. With the 9 teams drawn into 3 groups of 3, each team was guaranteed two games before being placed into another group of 3 to decide finishing positions. Southern Sundevils entered two sides, and each one topped their qualifying group to take their places in the Championship where they were joined the Chichester Sharks.
It was the Southern Sundevils B side that emerged triumphant. Led by QB Ted Baynham, they shutout Sundevils A (18-0) and then Chichester Sharks (27-0) to take the title for the second year in succession. Kevin Shergold led the team in scoring with 31 points, followed by his brother Steve with 21.
Next year it is hoped that many other sides will take part in this superb competition.
Southern Sundevils B with the trophy
From left to right: Kevin Shergold, Stephen Shergold, Rajinder Johal, Ted Baynham, Matt Coppinger, Surjinder Johal
Final positions:
1st - Southern Sundevils B
2nd - Southern Sundevils A
3rd - Chichester Sharks
4th - Leicester Eagles
5th - Bournemouth Raiders
6th - Birmingham Raiders
7th - Derby Dream Team
8th - Southampton Stags
9th - Brockenhurst Exiles
Next year it is hoped that many other sides will take part in this superb competition.
10th December 2002 - Senior flag 5 on 5 tournament this Sunday
Beach Bowl II will be held this Sunday at a venue to be confirmed in Southampton (12 noon start).The venue will be either Lords Hill (just off the M271) or Redbridge School. The tournament will start at 12pm, and finish by 4pm (i.e. when it gets dark)
A large number of teams are entering what should be a great tournament. The teams that are entering are:
DERBY DREAM TEAM
BIRMINGHAM RAIDERS
NORTH DEVON DOGS
BROCKENHURST EXILES
BOURNEMOUTH RAIDERS
SOUTHERN SUNDEVILS
BIRMINGHAM LIONS OLD BOYS
CHICHESTER SHARKS
LEICESTER EAGLES
SOUTHAMPTON STAGS
SOUTHAMPTON STAGS OLDBOYS
The tournament is growing in popularity. Last year, held in Bournemouth in bitterly cold weather, the Southern Sundevils defeated the Bournemouth Raiders 22-6 in the Championship Game when 7 teams attended.
If you would like to enter a side in the tournament, which is played under NFL 5-on-5 non-contact rules on a smaller sized pitch, please let Matt know at seniorflag@hotmail.com
9th September 2002 - Leicester Eagles win the BSFL Championship
The Leicester Eagles won the BSFL Championship with a convincing 45-21 over the Bournemouth Raiders in the final. Earlier in the day, the Eagles had defeated the Fen Harriers 32-6 in semi-final A, whereas the Bournemouth Raiders got the better of the Invicta Coyotes 6-0 in a thrilling game that went into overtime.
Leicester Eagles - 2002 BSFL Champions
BSFL Championship game – Leicester Eagles 45-21 Bournemouth Raiders
Bournemouth were given the ball, and quickly went three and out. Things looked ominous for the Raiders, as Rich Manning blocked the Raiders punt, which gave the Eagles the ball on the Raiders 20 yard line However, on a sweep Raiders LB Mark Elliott stripped Melbourne of the ball, and Tim Smith caught it and ran it back 80 yards on a fumble recovery. Brad Smith’s conversion gave the Raiders an early 7-0 lead.
The Eagles, stung by this blow, came straight back and following a series of quick out patterns and good running from Ryan Melbourne took the lead 8-7 on Broughton’s run, and Melbourne’s 2 PAT.
The Eagles star DB, Jeff Brown, picked off Smith on successive drives as the Eagles defense continued to give their O good field position. TE James Pimperton scored when all alone on a HB option from Craig Broughton to give the Eagles a 16-7 lead near half-time.
The Raiders, were mixing things up on offense, and this helped get them back into the game right on half-time, as Tim Smith from QB jinked his way through the Eagles D on a 32 yard run. Tim Smith’s 2 PAT to Winship pulled the score back to 16-15 as half-time was sounded.
Just when the Raiders thought they were back in the game, they were crushed on the first play after, when Ryan Melbourne scored on a 65 yard sweep when he weaved across the whole width of the pitch to give the Eagles a 24-15 lead.
Bournemouth Raiders - 2002 BSFL Runners-Up
Brown made his third interception of the day, and returned it to the Raiders 3 yard line, where James Hossack caught a pass from John Pimperton. Brown then returned a Raiders punt 45 yards deep into Raiders territory from where Melbourne ran in his second TD of the game.
Eagles third string QB Marcus Gambrill was given some game-time, and passed for a TD near the end when he hit Ryan Melbourne on a crossing pattern to make the score 45-15.
The Raiders never gave up though, and deservedly put some more points on the board at the end of the game, when Tim Smith scored his third TD of the game on a 33 yard pass from Brad Smith to make the final score 45-21.
Semi-Final A – Leicester Eagles 32-6 Fen Harriers
In the first semi-final, the Leicester Eagles blew away the Harriers early. Rich Manning got an early sack for the Eagles, which stopped the Harriers first drive, and then he put the opening points on the board for the Eagles with a rushing TD.
Alistair Coulthurst then intercepted Harriers QB Martin Brown, to give the Eagles the chance to immediately extend their lead. They duly did, when Eagles QB Chris Wild found HB Craig Broughton, who ran in their second TD, to put the Eagles 12-0 up. Wild scored a third TD for the Eagles in the first half to put them in a seemingly unassailable 19-0 lead.
The Harriers got themselves back into the game on the stroke of half-time when Brown hit Paul Gates on a perfectly flighted flag pattern to pull the score back to 19-6.
The Eagles started the second half as they started the first. The league’s leading rusher, Ryan Melbourne skated in for his first TD of the day, and then converted his own TD to increase the lead to 26-6, and then following Manning’s second sack of the game, Jeff Brown caught a TD from Wild to leave the final score 32-6 and give the Eagles a place in the BSFL Championship game later that day.
Semi-Final B – Invicta Coyotes 0-6 Bournemouth Raiders (in overtime)
On paper this game always looked like it would be close, and that was certainly the case. The game remained scoreless throughout regulation, and it took an outrageous trick play to win it for the Raiders.
This game had everything, some good offensive drives by both sides, but when it came to the crunch both sides’s defense stepped up a gear. Despite the game finishing 0-0 at full-time both teams had plenty of opportunities to win the game. Twice Bournemouth had the ball within the Coyotes 5-yard line, and both times they were picked off. Three times, the Coyotes got into the Raiders red-zone, but on each occasion the Raiders defense held them out.
Defensive stars for the Coyotes were Jez Jelly, Glenn Lindley and Brian Taylor who all made picks. DE Nedeem Al-Astrabadi recorded two sacks for the Coyotes. For the Raiders LB Daniel Nehorai was outstanding making numerous tackles to keep the Coyotes O (especially HB Gibbon Wright) at bay. Matt Hemsley secured a sack, and DE Rich Lister intercepted Button.
Late in the second half, the Coyotes picked off Smith, and a short drive gave the Coyotes 1st and goal from the Raiders 5 with just over two minutes to play. Good pressure from Lister and Vasily Fedotov forced Button to throw into the endzone where Raiders LB Matt Heasman made a diving catch to end the Coyotes hopes on that drive.
Coyotes had a final drive to win the game, and on one of the last plays in regulation time, Raiders DB Abdulmalik Lawal picked off Button at his own 15 and was seemlingly running in for the winning score when he pulled a thigh muscle and was tackled short.
The game finished 0-0 after 60 minutes play which led to sudden-death overtime. The Raiders won the toss and took the ball from their own 35. Coach Mark Elliott sent in a trick play, which left WR Stu Winship all alone by the Coyotes touchline. QB Brad Smith took the snap and fired a quick pass out to Winship who ran it in the distance for the score to stun the Coyotes and lead to jubilant scenes by the Raiders who moved into their first ever national final in 12 years.
7th September 2002 - BSFL Finals preview
The BSFL have their finals day tomorrow in Coldham Common (Cambridge). The lineup is as follows:
1.00pm - Semi-Final A: Leicester Eagles vs. Fen Harriers
2.30pm - Semi-Final B: Bournemouth Raiders vs. Invicta Coyotes
4.30pm (approx): BSFL Final
The BSFL Finals day promises to be even closer than last year, when London Gators triumphed 21-14 over the Canterbury (now Invicta) Coyotes in a thrilling final.
Meet The Teams
Leicester Eagles (number 1 seeds)
The Leicester Eagles deservedly took the number 1 seeding for the playoffs finishing the season top of the National Conference with a 5-0-1 record. The only blemish on their record being a 12-12 tie with the Invicta Coyotes.They have defeated the Fen Harriers twice this season, and also beat Bournemouth Raiders 10-0.
Positives
League's top scorer - Ryan Melbourne 40 points
League's top ranked rusher - Ryan Melbourne 5 TD's
League's best defense - 26 points conceded
Invicta Coyotes (number 2 seeds)
The Coyotes finished the season unbeaten with a 5-0-3 record. Have shown their fighting never-say-die spirit in three tied games this season, when in each of them they came from behind to level the scores. Will be looking to go one step further than 2001, when they lost in the final.
Positives
League's top ranked offense - 140 points scored
League's 2nd ranked QB - Lenny Button (7 TD's thrown)
League's joint top ranked receiver - Dave Austin (4 TD's)
League's top ranked all-rounder - Colin Hubbuck (1 running TD, 1 receiving TD and 1 punt return for TD)
Bournemouth Raiders (number 3 seeds)
The Raiders have been the league's most improved side after missing out on the playoffs last season. Recruited well in the off-season, and opened the season with a 5 game unbeaten run that was ended by Leicester Eagles in their final regular season fixture. Fen Harriers were beaten 8-6 along the way, and the Invicta Coyotes tied 12-12 in a cracking game.
Positives
League's 2nd ranked defense - 44 points conceded
League's 3rd & 4th ranked QB's - Brad Smith (4 TD's) & Matt Heasman (3 TD's)
League's 2nd & 3rd ranked rushers - Brad Smith (5 TD's) & Mark Elliott (3 TD's)
League's 3rd ranked receiver - Tim Smith (3 TD's)
Fen Harriers (number 4 seeds)
Champions in 1999 and unofficial champions in 2000, the Harriers finished 2002 with a disappointing 3-4-1 record. They have lost to each of the other BSFL Finals day teams, nonetheless, they have achieved what they set out to at the start of the season by reaching the playoffs. With the finals on their home pitch, they will be a match for anyone, and they'll fear no-one.
Positives
League's 2nd ranked offense - 134 points scored
League's top ranked QB - Martin Brown (13 TD's thrown)
League's joint top ranked receiver - Nick Moffat (4 TD's)
25th August 2002 - BSFL Week 7 review
The game started with a Coyotes posession that resulted in an interception, but the first possesion for the Eagles went little better and they had to punt. After this, the Coyotes took the ball again and had a couple of first downs, but were soon forced to punt. On the Eagles first play of their second posession, QB Chris Wild hit WR Jeff Brown on a quick slant who weaved through the defense for a long touchdown. The extra point was blocked however. On the Coyotes next Possession, QB Lenny Button despite heavy pressure got off a bomb to WR Dave Austin who caught it on a post, and ran the rest into the endzone. The Coyotes PAT went through the posts but was deemed no good as the long snap rolled along the ground to the holder, which apparently constitutes a fumble and therefore down. The game remained tied at the end of the half, and the coyotes had a great chance to take the lead when running back Gaz "Gibbon" Wright ripped a 25 yard gain off right tackle to the Eagles 1. A great goal line stand ensued, and a blocked field goal held the score at 6-6. The Eagles made a massive march down the field and on 3rd and 1 from the coyotes 20 QB Marcus Gambrill emptied the backfield into recievers and went for the QB sneak. He broke through the Coyotes D line, and more, as he ran untouched for a score. Yet another blocked Pat made the score 12-6. After two more punts, the Coyotes took the ball at their own 35 at the two minute warning. Refusing to quit the offense came to life and moved all the way down the field from great clutch catches by several recievers, and some nice off tackle running from the Gibbon. Having used all their time outs, and with only a few seconds on the clock Button threw up a fade for Austin. The ball fell incomplete but the Eagles were called for interference at the 5 and the coyotes were given one last chance. From slot, WR Colin Hubbuck ran a 10 and out and the ball just floated over the outstretched fingertips of CB Jeff Brown where Hubbuck made a great clutch catch and the game was tied. The coyotes lined up for the PAT of the season. The snap was good, and Dave Austin's kick cleared the Eagles D line.........and bounced off the right upright. Final score 12-12, and surely as good a game as has ever been played in the BSFL. With this draw, the Leicester Eagles have now clinched the BSFL National Conference, and advance to the end of season playoffs as number 1 seeds.
The semi-final lineup for the BSFL Finals on September 8th at Coldham Common (Cambridge) is now complete.
Leicester Eagles vs. Fen Harriers
Bournemouth Raiders vs. Invicta Coyotes
22nd August 2002 - BSFL Week 7 preview
Who will win the BSFL National Conference? It all boils down to one game - Invicta Coyotes vs. Leicester Eagles this Sunday at the Coyotes home ground in Kent. Both teams are unbeaten, though it is the Eagles who hold the leagues only 100% record. They were impressive in a 10-0 defeat of Bournemouth last weekend, and must be slight favourites over the Coyotes who have tied two games this year (one against Bournemouth). Nevertheless, this is a game that could go either way.
19th August 2002 - BSFL Week 6 review
The Leicester Eagles booked their place in the end of season BSFL Finals with two shutout victories on Sunday against the Bournemouth Raiders and the hometeam Chichester Sharks. In the opening game of the tournament, some strong rushing by the Raiders Mark Elliott, and 2 TD passes by QB Matt Heasman led Bournemouth to a 24-8 victory over the Sharks.
Bournemouth CB Jonny Wells about to make a tackle in their game with Chichester
Bournemouth then took on the Eagles, with both defenses playing very well. With the scores locked at 0-0 at half-time, the Eagles broke through early in the second half on a Ryan Melbourne field-goal to go 3-0 up. Ryan Melbourne then scored the crucial TD on the Eagles next drive, and the Raiders could not get back into the game. In game 3, the Eagles went into the break leading 16-0 on two converted TDs. The Sharks showed great character to launch a 13 minute drive which took the ball to the Eagles 6, but they failed to punch it in. The Eagles wrapped things up with 2 more TD's near the end, one a spectacular punt return by James Hossack. With Brighton failing to travel, the Fen Harriers have qualified also for the BSFL Finals day.
16th August 2002 - BSFL Week 6 preview
This coming Sunday (18th August), the next BSFL tournament features a four team match-up in Chichester. The home team Sharks (0-4) will be looking to kick start their season when they take on the Bournemouth Raiders (3-0-1) in the opening game. Bournemouth take on Leicester in the second game of the tournament. The Eagles (2-0) will be looking to keep their 100% record intact, and stay on course for the National Conference and the number 1 seeding. Brighton Tsunami (1-3) make up the quartet of teams, and they meet the Eagles for the first time in game 3. The Tsunami have an outside chance of making the end of season BSFL Finals, but they have to defeat the Eagles and also the Sharks in the final game of the day.
11th August 2002 - BSFL Week 5 results
Fen Harriers 6-8 Bournemouth Raiders
Bournemouth Raiders 12-12 Invicta Coyotes
Fen Harriers 12-12 Invicta Coyotes
The Bournemouth Raiders caused a surprise as they kept they maintained their unbeaten record on the season by defeating the home team Fen Harriers 8-6, and they tied with the previously 100% Invicta Coyotes 12-12. The Coyotes then went on to record their second 12-12 tie of the day in their game with the Harriers.
Fen Harriers 6-8 Bournemouth Raiders
The Raiders caused the surprise of the season with an 8-6 victory over the Fen Harriers, with a great display of defense. Raiders WR Mark Houston opened the scoring when he caught a 62 yard TD over the middle from QB Brad Smith on the Raiders second possession after opening with a series of strong runs from Mark Elliott and Brad Smith. Stuart Winship added the 2 PAT on a pass from Smith into the corner. For the rest of the half both teams couldn't score despite moving the ball well on the ground. A Raiders chance to score was denied right at the end of the first half Matt Heasman was intercepted in the endzone.
Bournemouth QB Bradley Smith passing against the Fen Harriers
In the second half, the Harriers defense stopped the Raiders previously effective running game, and they were unable to move the ball. The Harriers QB Martin Brown hit Andy Allen on a 19 yard fade for a TD, but the 2 PAT to tie the scores was crucially broken up by Nick Michael over the middle leaving the score at 8-6 to the Raiders. The Harriers got the ball back, but were unable to score again after some strong defense from the Raiders - especially from Lee Eatly (2 sacks), Abdul Lawal (1 sack) and Nick Michael.
Bournemouth Raiders 12-12 Invicta Coyotes
Both teams kept their unbeaten records intact after a thrilling 12-12 draw. The Raiders drew first blood when Bradley Smith hit Mark Houston on a crossing pattern, and Houston ran in the TD from 63 yards out. The 2 PAT failed. The Coyotes were struggling to move the ball, and when they received the ball in excellent field position after a failed punt seemed primed to extend their lead. A Coyotes interception put paid to any Raiders hopes of extending their lead, and then they struck back, when QB Lenny Button fired a 60 yard pass to Dave Austin on a flea flicker which took the ball down to the Raiders 1 yard line. Button scored on the next play on a sneak to tie the scores up at 6-6.
Both teams continued to the move the ball well for the remainder of the game, but in the final third of the field they failed to punch it in. Strong defense on both sides was evident with Allen Gilbert of the Raiders registering two sacks, and Steve Wiggley of the Coyotes registering one. The Coyotes then took the lead on a long run from Colin Hubbuck after he broke several tackles around the outside to put them 12-6 up from a 50 yard run. With Raiders QB Smith injured, Matt Heasman conjured up a drive in the final 2 minutes to tie the scores culminating in a 21 yard pass up the middle to Jonny Wells. The PAT was blocked after a furious pass rush by the Coyotes. With seconds left, Raiders CB Vincenzo Gurrea intercepted Button and returned the ball deep into Coyotes territory. Raiders so nearly won the game after WR Mark Houston dropped a pass from Heasman in the corner of the endzone on the last play of the game. Raiders improved to 3-0-1 on the season.
Fen Harriers 12-12 Invicta Coyotes
On the game's opening drive, the Harriers took the lead when QB Martin Brown hit Andy Allen on a fade for a 13 yard TD. Until the two minute warning both sides were unable to effectively move the ball. With less than two minutes to go in the half, Colin Hubbuck intercepted Brown and returned the ball to the Harriers 18 yard line. A series of runs led to Nick Caborn scoring on a 2 yard run up the middle to tie things up a 6-6. The Harriers though retook on the lead on the stroke of half-time, when HB Gary Brown ran in from 43 yards out.
The second half was a dull affair that was lit up with a number of plays in the last five minutes. Harriers CB Andy Allen intercepted Coyotes QB Button, but Coyotes forced the Harriers to punt. Hubbuck returned the resulting punt 70 yards on a scintilating run which left a trail of Harriers defenders in his wake. The 2 PAT failed to leave the scores at 12-12. Gibbon Wright and Rory O'Toole both secured sacks on the Harriers final drive to give the Coyotes one play to win the match. A catch by Austin which was lateralled to Hubbuck in midair came off, but Hubbuck was tackled at midfield and time expired in a thrilling finish. The Harriers finished their season 3-4-1, whereas the Coyotes improved to 4-0-2 on the season.
Next BSFL fixtures:
18th August - Chichester Sharks (hosts), Leicester Eagles, Bournemouth Raiders
18th August - Brighton Tsunami (hosts), London Hurricanes, Invicta Coyotes
6th August 2002 – BSFL Week 5 preview
This coming Sunday (11th August), the next BSFL tournament features a mouth watering match-up between two unbeaten sides, and the ever dangerous Fen Harriers. The Harriers (3-3) are hosting the tournament in Cambridge, and led by league leading QB Martin Brown (10 TDs) they will be hoping to improve on their current 4th seeding for the finals day.
Harriers QB Martin Brown leads the league in passing, and their ever dangerous running game will be a constant threat to the Raiders and Coyotes
The Coyotes (4-0) will be hoping to keep their unbeaten tag, and already have the scalp of the Harriers, whom they beat 6-0 in Orpington in week 4 courtesy of a Gibbon Wright TD run.
Coyotes QB Lewis Button is currently second in the BSFL passing charts with 5 TD passes this season
The 3rd team involved are the Bournemouth Raiders (2-0) and they are very much an unknown quantity. They boast league leading rushers in Brad Smith and Mark Elliott, who behind an impressive line both managed 100 yards in each of the Raiders first two fixtures.
29th July 2002 – BSFL Week 4 result
In a titanic defensive struggle, the Leicester Eagles defeated the Fen Harriers 10-8 at Coldham Common.
Eagles QB John Pimperton helped the Eagles complete the double over the Harriers
After a scoreless first half, the Eagles drove down to Fen goal line but staunch goal line defending from the Harriers's D saw the Eagles settling for a Craig Broughton field goal and a 3-0 lead to the Eagles. The Harriers offense failed to move the ball allowing Eagles QB John Pimperton to move the ball down field with RB Ryan Melbourne taking a Pimperton hand off 20 yards into the end-zone for a 9-0 lead. Craig Broughton added the point after touchdown making it 10-0. Fen struck back with a Martin Brown pass eluding Eagles DB Andy Gambrill and finding WR Nick Moffat for a TD. A Brown pass to Jeremy Humphries brought the score back to 10-8.
On the Eagles next drive a bizarre fumble recovery by David Parr gave the Fen offense the ball on the Leicester 30 yard line. Leicester's dominant pass rush lead by Rich Beet and Rich Manning forced Fen into a 4th and long situation and James Pimperton made the tackle which allowed the Eagles to run out the clock.
27th July 2002 - BSFL Week 4 preview
The Leicester Eagles travel to Cambridge this Sunday to take on the Fen Harriers in week 4 of the BSFL. The unbeaten Eagles (1-0) will be looking to keep their 100% record on the season against their arch-rivals (who they defeated 21-6 in Leicester in week 1). The Harriers, meanwhile will need to bounce back after their defeat to the Coyotes if they are to have any chance of winning the league. Both teams are well on course for the BSFL championship day.
23rd July 2002 – BSFL Week 3 results and reports
The Invicta Coyotes maintained their 100% record with a narrow 6-0 win against the Fen Harriers yesterday. The Harriers had earlier convincingly beaten the host team, London Hurricanes, 44-14. Click here for full match reports.
London Hurricanes 14-44 Fen Harriers
The Harriers improved to 3-1 with their third straight win of the season with a comprehensive 44-14 victory over the Hurricanes. Martin Brown opened the scoring with a pass to Nick Moffat. A repeat of this hook-up added the 2 PAT, and the Harriers had an early 8-0 lead. With the Hurricanes turning the ball over on downs on their first possession, the Harriers made them pay with another quick-fire TD, on a Brown run as the Harriers went 16-0 ahead (Paul Gates added the 2 PAT on another run).
London Hurricanes QB John Kelleher passing against the Fen Harriers
The Hurricanes got back into the game on the next drive, when QB John Kelleher hit WR Richard Law on an out pattern in the corner of the endzone. Law added the 2 PAT to pull the scoreline back to 16-8.
However, the twin running threat of Paul Gates and Paul Griffiths for the Harriers was a combination that continually worked all game on sweep plays. Their running on the Harriers next drive, led to Gates running in another one himself from distance to put the Harriers 24-8 up (with Moffat adding the 2 PAT). On the stroke of half-time, Brown threw another TD to Moffatt on a crossing pattern to give the Harriers a 30-8 lead.
The Harriers continued to rack up the points in the second half with eligible lineman Matt Ranson scoring his first TD in his 10 year career on a short pass to the back of the endzone from Brown. Brown added the 2 PAT himself to put the Harriers 38-8 up, and then Brown threw his 4th TD of the day and his 3rd to Moffat to finish the Harriers scoring. The Hurricanes never gave up though, with Kelleher and Law linking up well, and Kelleher completed the games scoring on an 11 yard QB sneak.
Fen Harriers 0-6 Invicta Coyotes
In one of the best defensive flag football games in recent times, the Coyotes edged out the Harriers 6-0 to keep their 100% record for the season.
In an even first half, neither side made many yards to speak of as both sides put on a great defensive show. Sacks from David Parr, Gary Brown and a drive breaking one from Matt Ranson led the way for the Harriers, and on the Coyotes side a huge sack from DE Brian Adams crushed one Harrier drive and a number of crucial tackles by Steve Wiggley stopped promising Harriers runs up the middle. With defenses on top, the game was scoreless at half-time.
A turnover looked like the only way any points would be scored, and it came when Harriers QB Martin Brown had a pass tipped and then intercepted by Coyotes Safety Glenn Lindley. On the next play, RB Gibbon Wright ran through a huge hole in the Harriers D Line and ran in from 41 yards out to put the Coyotes 6-0 ahead.
Coyotes RB Gibbon Wright running in the only TD of the game against the Fen Harriers
As the Harriers searched for a way back into the game, Paul Gates broke free on a 32 yard run, and only a game saving tackle from Lindley prevented the Harriers tying the scores up. Adams grabbed a second sack of the game for a large loss of yards, that effectively killed that Harriers drive as Brown was forced to throw deep into coverage for first down yardage. The ball was turned over on downs, and QB Lewis Button then took a knee to run out the clock. The Harriers dropped to 3-2, and now face a tough fixture against Leicester, whilst the Coyotes improved to 4-0 after they gained a walk-over win against the Hurricanes, who were forced to concede their game against the Coyotes due to a couple of injuries.
National Conference
W
L
T
PF
PA
%
Invicta Coyotes
4
0
0
72
16
1.000
Bournemouth Raiders
2
0
0
70
8
1.000
Leicester Eagles
1
0
0
21
6
1.000
Fen Harriers
3
2
0
108
41
0.600
Brighton Tsunami
1
3
0
26
84
0.250
London Hurricanes
0
2
0
14
50
0.000
Chichester Sharks
0
4
0
10
116
0.000
Next BSFL fixture:
28th July – Fen Harriers vs. Leicester Eagles at Coldhams Common, Cambridge
18th July 2002 - BSFL Week 3 preview
The London Hurricanes host, and play in, their first games of the 2002 BSFL season on Sunday as they entertain the Fen Harriers and the Invicta Coyotes. The Hurricanes played in 2001, where they played 2 games losing both. But, those games were against the 2 eventual finalists - the London Gators and the Canterbury (now Invicta) Coyotes. The Coyotes were taken right to the wire winning eventually 14-12, and another close game is anticipated. The Harriers got back to winning ways 2 weeks ago, after their opening game defeat to the Leicester Eagles, with two shutout victories against Brighton and Chichester. Invicta secured 2 wins against the same opposition in week 1, and the Harriers/Coyotes match up looks like being the game of the day.
16th July 2002 - BSFL 5-on-5 tournament review
The British Senior Flag played their first 5-on-5 tournament of the year this weekend, with a 4-team tournament in London. At a sun-drenched Hyde Park, the Leicester Eagles came out on top with 3 wins out of their 5 games played. All results from this tournament count towards the final BSFL 5-on-5 league table.
Results:
Bournemouth Raiders 8-14 Invicta Coyotes
Invicta Coyotes 0-13 Leicester Eagles
Bournemouth Raiders 6-9 Birmingham Raiders
Birmingham Raiders 14-8 Invicta Coyotes
Bournemouth Raiders 15-12 Leicester Eagles
Birmingham Raiders 6-13 Leicester Eagles
Invicta Coyotes 12-12 Bournemouth Raiders
Bournemouth Raiders 12-7 Birmingham Raiders
Leicester Eagles 15-6 Invicta Coyotes
Leicester Eagles 14-14 Bournemouth Raiders
Match Reports
Bournemouth Raiders 8-14 Invicta Coyotes
In the opening game of the tournament, the Coyotes sneaked to a victory over their south coast rivals. QB Lewis Button fired a short range TD to Glenn Lindley for the opening score to put the Coyotes 8-0. Bournemouth came back into when Matt Heasman hit Roland Coutts on a quick out, who turned a small gain into a long range TD. The Coyotes winning TD was fortuitous as Button’s long pass was tipped by CB Ryan McKeon as he collided with fellow CB Vincent Gurrea into the arms of the waiting Coyotes WR Gaz Wright who ran in the score unchallenged. The Raiders offense stalled and the Coyotes took the game.
Invicta Coyotes 0-13 Leicester Eagles
Leicester produced a stunning display of offense and defense to shutout the Coyotes in game 2. The young Eagles offense started as they went on all day with numerous slick handoffs and fake handoffs to baffle the Coyotes defense on the opening drive, which resulted in a John Pimperton pass to James Pimperton. The Leicester defense held firm on successive drives to snuff out any threat from the Coyotes, and produced another long drive to go 13-0 up with another Pimperton to Pimperton hook up.
Bournemouth Raiders 6-9 Birmingham Raiders
Birmingham won the first ‘battle of the Raiders’ with a surprise win, especially after Bournemouth had gone 6-0 up on a crossing pattern with Brad Smith hitting Roland Coutts for a catch in traffic at the back of the endzone. Birmingham got back into the game with a Gary Griffiths pass to Andy Poodle, which was converted to give them the edge 7-6. Birmingham defense had the measure of Bournemouth’s offense in this game, and Bournemouth rarely threatened. To seal things, Birmingham earnt a safety to go 9-6 up, and then ran out the clock.
Bournemouth Raiders QB Brad Smith throwing under pressure from Birmingham's Gary Griffiths
Birmingham Raiders 14-8 Invicta Coyotes
Birmingham proved that their opening game win over Bournemouth was no surprise, with their second successive win. QB Griffiths opened the scoring with a pass to WR Brian Dick who broke free was a long distance TD. Lewis Button tied the scores up with a pass to Mike Whitby of the Coyotes. The conversion was crucially scored to level things up at 8-8. The crucial passage of the game resulted in Birmingham stopping the Coyotes on a 4th and goal, and then marching down the other end to score on another Griffiths to Dick pass. Birmingham’s defense held firm as the clock ran out.
Bournemouth Raiders 15-12 Leicester Eagles
In this battle of great rivals, Bournemouth entered this game in resurgent form thanks to an offensive shuffle. QB Matt Heasman starting hitting his receiving corps of Coutts, O’Field, Jenkins and Houston underneath for short but effective yardage. The Raiders took the lead on a trick play where RB Brad Smith threw to Heasman who stepped inside the Eagles D to score. Heasman added the 2 PAT on a pass to Mark Houston to put the Raiders 8-0 up. Leicester hit straight back with a TD after just 2 plays. John Pimperton passed for a TD to his brother on in the corner of the endzone, following a 45 yard gain the play before. Richard Tollervey broke up the PAT to leave Bournemouth 8-6 up. Bournemouth offense was firing, and another long drive led to a Brad Smith running in for a TD, which was converted with Heasman finding Smith at the front of the endzone for the crucial extra point to put Bournemouth 15-6 up. With the Eagles needing to score twice, they got one score on John Pimperton’s second TD pass of the game (this time to James Hossack). The conversion again failed, and Heasman took a knee to run out the clock.
Birmingham Raiders 6-13 Leicester Eagles
The Eagles stopped Birmingham’s winning run with a tight 13-6 win, and improved their own record to 2-1 in the process. Chris Wild got the Eagles on the scoreboard first with a pass to Alan O’Sullivan, and the Eagles extended their lead to 13-0 when Jeff Brown ran in from distance. Gary Griffiths hauled the Raiders back into the game on a slant to Brian Dick, but it was too little too late for Birmingham and the Eagles took the victory.
Invicta Coyotes 12-12 Bournemouth Raiders
Bournemouth continued their impressive offense from the previous game, and scored early on with Brad Smith hitting Mark Houston on a streak from an option play. The Coyotes tied things up when QB Button found Lindley on a flare. The conversions on both TD’s failed and the score was tied at 6-6. Heasman put the Raiders back in front on a flag pattern, which Houston ran in. The Coyotes set up a thrilling finish when Button threw his second TD pass of the game to Dave Austin to tie things up at 12-12. Vincent Gurrea broke up Button’s pass to keep the scores level, and Smith’s last ditch pass was incomplete.
Bournemouth Raiders 12-7 Birmingham Raiders
Bournemouth gained revenge for their earlier defeat to Birmingham to reclaim the ‘Raiders’ crown with a 12-7 win. Heasman found Houston on a bomb early on to put the southerners up 6-0, but Birmingham hit back on Brian Dick’s run. The Dick’s TD converted the midlanders held the advantage 7-6. Bournemouth’s defense led by Mark Elliott effectively stopped the Birmingham O, with Jon Wells producing a sack and an interception. On the final drive of the match, when Bournemouth clinched victory on an inch perfect 4th down pass from Heasman to Houston in the corner of the endzone. Birmingham finished the tournament with a creditable 2-2 record.
Leicester Eagles 15-6 Invicta Coyotes
Leicester completed the double over the Coyotes with another convincing win. John Pimperton opened the scoring for the Eagles with a pass to Simon Murphy from close in. The PAT was converted to put the Eagles 7-0 up. Lewis Button threw his 6th TD of the day, this time to Mike Whitby, as the Coyotes closed to 7-6. Button was then picked off by the Eagles CB Jeff Brown for the PAT, and Brown returned it for 2 points to put the Eagles 9-6 ahead. John Pimperton sealed the win for the Eagles on the next drive with another pass to James Pimperton. The Coyotes finished the tournament with a 1-3-1 record, but they look forward to the resumption of the 9-on-9 league which they jointly lead next week.
Leicester Eagles 14-14 Bournemouth Raiders
Bournemouth so nearly clinched the tournament, but were undone by a last ditch drive from the Eagles. The Eagles went ahead very early on, when John Pimperton hit James Hossack underneath, and the youngster burnt off the Raiders defense for a long distance TD. Raiders QB Heasman hauled the Raiders back into it was a quick out to Roland Coutts who out jumped his man and then streaked into the endzone. The PAT failed and the Eagles led 7-6. The Raiders hit back, and Brad Smith found Coutts for his second TD of the game with a low pass into the corner of the endzone. Smith then found Heasman for the 2 PAT with a pass over the middle to give Bournemouth what looked a winning 14-7 lead, but they hadn’t counted on the Eagles QB John Pimperton, who marched his offense down the other end in double quick time, and then on 4th down and goal on the last play of the game he found James Pimperton who a slant pattern for the score which gave the Eagles the opportunity to tie/or win the game as that made the score 14-13. The Eagles opted to go for the tie with a 1 PAT which was converted to leave the score 14-14 as time expired.
CURRENT BSFL 5-ON-5 NATIONAL CONFERENCE STANDINGS
National Conference
W
L
T
PF
PA
%
Leicester Eagles
3
1
1
67
41
0.700
Bournemouth Raiders
2
2
2
67
68
0.500
Birmingham Raiders
2
2
0
36
39
0.500
Invicta Coyotes
1
3
1
40
62
0.300
CURRENT BSFL 5 ON 5 SCORING LEADERS
TD’s Scored
5 TD’s – James Pimperton (Leicester Eagles)
4 TD’s – Mark Houston (Bournemouth Raiders), Brian Dick (Birmingham Raiders), Roland Coutts (Bournemouth Raiders)
Passing TD’s thrown
8 TD’s – John Pimperton (Leicester Eagles)
6 TD’s – Lewis Button (Invicta Coyotes)
5 TD’s – Matt Heasman (Bournemouth Raiders)
4 TD’s – Gary Griffiths (Birmingham Raiders), Bradley Smith (Bournemouth Raiders)
8th July 2002 – BSFL Week 2 roundup
The Fen Harriers triumphed in week 2 of the BSFL with two victories in the tournament hosted by the Brighton Tsunami. Fen improve to 2-1 on the season, whilst Brighton recorded their first victory with a 12-0 win over Chichester who slump to 0-4.
Brighton Tsunami 12-0 Chichester Sharks
At the 3rd tournament of the BSFL 2002 season, in Brighton, poor weather conditions did not dampen either teams from performing, in what was the game of the day. Chichester started and moved the ball, using their all out passing game to some success early on before a series of incompletions forced them into punting. Brighton started very brightly and took a sweep round the left side all the way to the 1 yard line, where they scored on a QB sneak from Andrew Lane for the games opening TD, the ensuing two point extra point was stopped to leave Brighton 6-0 up.
The Sharks came out throwing once again but the worsening conditions and a solid defensive performance meant Chichester were soon facing a 3rd and long in their own half. Nick Watson then found Peter Steel on a short out, which he was able to turn up field for a long gain, and forced the Brighton defense into a desperate touchdown saving tackle. Chichester were unable to punch it in from short range though and Brighton were able to run out the clock and go into the half with the slim advantage.
Second half and the Shark's swarming defense began to stiffle the powerful rushing game, forcing Brighton to punt their opening possession away. Chichester, breaking with tradition, went to the ground, using a series of powerful runs and sweeps to drive down to the Tsunami's 3 yard line, good defense and a couple of penalties meant that The Shark's now faced a long 3rd and goal. Which back up QB,Max Murray, completed in the endzone to the delight of the Shark faithful to Sergeldean Abdelkader,only to have a controversial penalty wipe it out. This seemed to fire up the "Shark Attack" defense even further, as they forced the Tsunami 'O' to once again punt the ball. Peter Steel was again the unluckiest man on the field, when after catching an out pattern and taking it back 70 yards for the paydirt, saw a second controversial 'guarding his flags' penalty rule out his score; taking his personal; tally of Non TD's to 3 for the season for the Sharks.
With time running out Brighton drove down field and managed to punch home their second rushing TD on a 36 yard run from RB Ben Speas; the extra point was stuffed in the backfield by Glyn Beauchamp. Brighton 12- 0 up, with under two minutes remaining, Chichester's never say die attitude continued but to no avail as on fourth down came up inches short. Brighton took a knee and their first win.
Fen Harriers 34-0 Chichester Sharks
After their last disappointing performance against BSFL regulars, the Leicester Eagles, the Fen Harriers came out firing on all cylinders against the Sharks. Quarterback Martin Brown opened the scoring with a 40 yard pass to returning veteran Laurence Tallon, converted with a pass, this time to Adam Heap. Despite their effective passing game the Sharks' counter drive stumbled and the Harriers regained the ball and quickly scored again, this time on the ground with a 65 yard run by Paul Gates, Chichester's defense held however and they were unable to follow it up with a conversion.
The Harriers special teams added to the scoring with a 65 yard punt return from Tallon. Their Offense continued both on the ground and in the air with Brown and Heap connecting again, this time for a 40 yard pass, and Shane Frost with a one yard touchdown run, converted by Tallon on a pass into the corner of the endzone by Martin Brown. The Harriers' Defense stood firm throughout the game with an interception from Laurence Tallon, a sack from Edward "The Dwarf" Humphris and several spectacular tackles from Jeremy Humphris. The Harriers' Quarterback Martin Brown left the field extremely satisfied with a 100% completion rate.
Brighton Tsunami 0-24 Fen Harriers
The rain refused to let up as the Harriers went into their second back to back game. Coming out with something to prove they scored on the first play of the game with a 65 yard Brown - Tallon connection converted on the ground by Paul Gates. After forcing Brighton to punt on their 1st possession, Fen marched downfield again to another TD. Gates struck again this time from 45 yards out, running the ball in with his trademark pace. The conversion came this time with another Brown pass, this time to Jez Humphris. Both sides offenses then stalled until half-time with the score 16-0. After the half time break both teams put together long drives, producing some exciting play on both sides of the ball but ultimately no more points. On the final drive of the game when Fen took over in the Tsunami half after a failed 4th down attempt, Brown found the endzone again on the final play of the game, this time connecting to the older, Edward Humphris. Brown hit Edward again for the two point conversion ending the game.
National Conference
W
D
L
PF
PA
%
Bournemouth Raiders
2
0
0
70
8
1.000
Invicta Coyotes
2
0
0
60
16
1.000
Leicester Eagles
1
0
0
21
6
1.000
Fen Harriers
2
1
0
64
21
0.667
Brighton Tsunami
1
3
0
26
84
0.250
Chichester Sharks
0
4
0
10
116
0.000
London Hurricanes
0
0
0
0
0
0.000
Next tournament: Sunday 21st July – London Hurricanes (hosts), Invicta Coyotes, Fen Harriers
5th July 2002 - Senior Flag tournament at Hyde Park
There is still pace for two more sides to enter the 5-on-5 senior flag tournament at Hyde Park on Sunday 14th July. The tournament is due to kick-off at 11am and features four of the British Senior Flag League sides (Leicester Eagles, Bournemouth Raiders, Birmingham Raiders and Invicta Coyotes). There is no entrance fee and all you need are five players. Contact the BSFL at seniorflag@hotmail.com if you are interested.
4th July 2002 - Senior Flag Forum
The British Senior Flag League has a forum which can be located at the following address - http://forum.onecenter.com/bsfl It can also be found by clicking on the forum link on the league website (www.seniorflag.co.uk). You do not need to register to post, but any offensive comments will be removed by the administrator.
3rd July 2002 - BSFL Week 2 preview
The Brighton Tsunami host their first tournament of the BSFL 2002 season at Waterhall, North Brighton, as the Fen Harriers and Chichester Sharks both travel to West Sussex. All three sides competed in week 1, and each side has yet to record a win. The Harriers, champions in 1999 and 2000, opened their season with a 21-6 reverse at Leicester and will be hoping to kick-start their season. The other two sides will meet in a local derby match-up. Both sides competed at Bournemouth and both sides lost their opening two fixtures against the Bournemouth Raiders and the Invicta Coyotes. Brighton were very impressive in their opening fixture against Invicta, holding last seasons runners-up at 14-14 until they went for a 4th down from their own 30 with 20 seconds left. Invicta stopped them and then scored the winning TD a couple of plays later. Brighton will be keen to open their account on home territory. Chichester’s all-out passing attack worked in fits and starts, but they could not effectively move the ball in week 1. They will be fired up for this one.
The venue is a place called Waterhall and it is located just off the A27, North of Brighton.
The order of play is :
Game 1 : Brighton v Chichester (Kick-off approx 11am)
Game 2 : Fen v Chichester
Game 3 : Brighton v Fen
Directions :
Travelling from the West continue on the A27 to Brighton and look for signs to the A23 to London. When you get to the turning for the A23, drive straight past it and take the next junction (about 100 yards on from the A23 junction). At the top of the slip road there is a roundabout. Go right, over the A27 and then over the next roundabout. Go down the hill to a large roundabout with a Q8 garage on it. Go straight over that roundabout, up a hill about 100 yards and take the next right into the Waterhall car-park.
28th June 2002 - Anglo/Irish Senior Flag Game
The Drimnagh Cycos host The Leicester Eagles in the sixth Anglo/Irish International Flag Football Challenge Game between the two teamson Saturday 6th July at Sallins GAA Club, Sallins, Co. Kildare (kick-off 2.30pm). The Cycos lead the series by four games to one. The return game will take place in Leicester on Saturday 10th August. Galaxy Computers (MAIN ST, NAAS, CO KILDARE) have very kindly agreed to sponsor The Drimnagh Cycos for the coming year and also this game. Below are the scores from previous games between the two sides. For more information on the game or if anybody is interested in playing Flag American Football please contact liamfarrell55@hotmail.com. The Cycos are also available for friendly games this summer and autumn. 1997 Drimnagh 12 Leicester 6 1998 Leicester 24 Drimnagh 12 2000 Drimnagh 18 Leicester 12 2001 Leicester 8 Drimnagh 12 2001 Drimnagh 49 Leicester 6
The Eagles squad: Chris Wild, Martin Gwilliam, James Pimperton, John Pimperton, James Hossack, Alistair Coulthurst, Alan O'Sullivan, Craig
Broughton, Rich Manning, Ryan Melbourne.
Drimnagh will be travelling to Leicester for the return fixture on August 10th.
26th June 2002 - Team name change
The Canterbury Coyotes have changed their name to the Invicta Coyotes.
24th June 2002 - British Senior Flag League Week 1 results
Leicester Eagles 21-6 Fen Harriers
Bournemouth Raiders 36-8 Chichester Sharks
Invicta Coyotes 26-14 Brighton Tsunami
Bournemouth Raiders 34-0 Brighton Tsunami
Invicta Coyotes 34-2 Chichester Sharks
Invicta Coyotes RB Glenn Lindley takes on Brighton
The BSFL kicked off this weekend, with fixtures being played in Leicester and Bournemouth. The Leicester Eagles took on their arch-rivals, the Fen Harriers, in a one-off league fixture, whilst down on the South Coast, the hometown Bournemouth Raiders hosted a 4-team tournament also involving last season’s runners-up, the Invicta Coyotes, the Chichester Sharks and the Brighton Tsunami.
Bournemouth Raiders 36 Chichester Sharks 8
In the opening game of the 4-team tournament in Bournemouth, it was the hometown Raiders who got their season off to a great start with a convincing win against the Sharks, who were playing their first ever game off flag football.
The Raiders, with a new look O-Line, scored on their first 3 possessions, with QB Brad Smith running in all 3 TD’s as the Raiders went into the break leading 22-0. Mark Elliott ran in 2 2-PAT’s, and Lee Eatly caught a further one from Brad Smith. The Sharks came back into it early in the second half with some impressive passing plays, and scored on a tipped pass from QB Nick Watson to WR Krystian Sordyl. The 2 PAT was added by Nick Watson to close the scoreline to 22-8.
The Raiders, however, kept up their relentless ground game. QB Brad Smith ran in another TD from distance, as he and RB Mark Elliott both racked up 100 yard games. The Raiders defense tightened their grip in the second half with notable contributions from Vincent Gurrea and Jon Wells (who caught an interception).
Smith fired in a TD from 35 yards out to WR Patrick Pflander to round off the scoring as the Raiders ran out 36-8 winners.
Brighton Tsunami 14-26 Invicta Coyotes
Brighton, in their first game also, took on last season’s runners-up the Invicta Coyotes in what turned out to be the game of the day.
The Coyotes came flying out of the blocks, and scored on their first drive. QB Lewing Button hitting WR Dave Austin from 25 yards out to go 6-0 up. Brighton came right back, with WR Shaun Holder hauling in a 55 yard catch and run TD to level things up at 6-6. Both defenses produced strong performances to keep the scoreline to 6-6 at half-time.
Invicta launched a 13 minute drive in the second half, which culminated in another Button to Austin hook up on a fade from 5 yards out. The 2 PAT from Button to Mike Whitby gave the Coyotes a 14-6 lead.
Brighton came back again, when QB Rich Tongue took a bootleg in from 65 yards out for the TD. The 2 PAT from Emery to Holder tied the scores again.
With 13 seconds left in the game, the Coyotes scored the clinching TD when WR Mark Boreham caught a 5 yard slant for the winning score. The victory was iced on the last play of the game when LB Darren Hunt returned an interception for a 60 yard return leaving a final score of 26-14.
Bournemouth Raiders 34 Brighton Tsunami 0
The Bournemouth Raiders carried on where they left off in their first game with a punishing ground attack against the tiring Tsunami (who were playing back to back games).
Brad Smith ran in a disputed TD from 25 yards to open the scoring for the Raiders, and put them 6-0 up. Despite the efforts of QB Chris Emery, and Richard Tongue the Tsunami couldn’t get things going against the swarming Raiders defense led by the front 4 of Lee Eatly, Kirk O’Field, Matt Hemsley and Tom Jenkins. Following a Matt Heasman interception, Mark Elliott scored his first TD of the season running in from 35 yards out, and Jon Wells grabbed the 2 PAT from Brad Smith as the Raiders went into the break 14-0 up.
Brighton started the second half well driving deep into Raiders territory, but the Raiders defense held firm.
The Raiders continued where they left off in the first half with a further running TD from Mark Elliott from 5 yards out. Brad Smith connected on a slant to Tim Smith who ran in the TD from 50 yards out. Tim Smith caught the 2 PAT from Matt Heasman. The Raiders defense earnt their shut-out, and then Tim Smith threw TD to Richard Tollervey to round off the scoring on the last play.
Invicta Coyotes 34 Chichester Sharks 2
The Coyotes rounded off a fine day for themselves with their second win. After scoring on their opening possession to go 6-0 up, the Sharks Jason Davis intercepted the 2 PAT pass, and returned it 101 yards for the 2 PAT for the Sharks! With the scoreline at 6-2, the Coyotes stepped up a gear to score two further TD’s before half-time to go in 20-2 up.
The Sharks, who acquitted themselves well in their opening games, continued their all-out passing attack in the second half, and despite completing numerous passes couldn’t quite punch it in. Julian Simms added a sack for the Sharks but his efforts weren’t enough.
The Coyotes scored 2 further TD’s in the second half to run out 34-2 winners.
Leicester Eagles 21 Fen Harriers 6
Leicester Eagles defense dominated a hard fought encounter between these two arch rivals. Harriers QB Martin Brown was sacked 6 times in the first half alone as the swarming Eagles defense snuffed out the Harriers offense.
An early score from RB Rich Manning to put Leicester ahead with TE James Pimperton adding the extra point on a pass from QB Chris Wild to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The game, however, remained tight, as Leicester’s own offensive unit failed to capitalize on their early dominance and the Fen defensive unit stepped up the intensity and making crucial tackles to leave the half time score 7-0 to Leicester.
Eagles defense continued where they left off in the second half and despite the second half introduction of international RB Paul Griffiths, Fen still failed to break the stranglehold. Leicester finally got the score to take them clear when RB Craig Broughton hit WR James Hossack on an option pass and RB Ryan Melbourne sped in for the extra point to put the Eagles 14-0 ahead in the third quarter.
Rich Manning added a sixth QB sack to his tally in the second half and with Craig Broughton, Martin Gwilliam and Alan O’Sullivan adding their own sacks, the Eagles defense remained in full control despite a fierce battle up front with the determined and aggressive, never-say-die Harriers offense.
Eagles finally iced the game with rookie RB Ryan Melbourne evading Harrier’s tacklers to score from distance and to put the home side clear. Eagles back up QB John Pimperton hit WR Steve McCellan in the endzone for the extra point to give Leicester an unassailable 21-0 lead in the fourth quarter.
The Harriers though refused to give the game up as lost and hit back immediately. WR Adam Heap grabbed a Martin Brown pass and outran the Leicester cover to give the Cambridge based team a well deserved score. Time, however, was against the Harriers and the home side closed out the game, nearly scoring again on the final play of the match when WR Jeff Brown’s elusive run after catching a perfectly thrown John Pimperton pass ended just yard short of the zone as time ran out.
Current BSFL table:
National Conference
W
L
T
PF
PA
%
Bournemouth Raiders
2
0
0
70
8
1.000
Invicta Coyotes
2
0
0
60
16
1.000
Leicester Eagles
1
0
0
21
6
1.000
Fen Harriers
0
1
0
6
21
0.000
Brighton Tsunami
0
2
0
14
60
0.000
Chichester Sharks
0
2
0
10
70
0.000
London Hurricanes
0
0
0
0
0
0.000
Next fixture:
Sunday 7th July – Brighton Tsunami (hosts), Chichester Sharks, Fen Harriers
Bournemouth Raiders WR Tim Smith catches a pass which he runs in for the opening score against Brighton