The Next Billy Elliot?

Worcester Royals

lineman forgets

where he is.

Lateral Fail

Epic Lateral Fail from the Staffordshire Stallions 36-0 win over Worcester Royals at the weekend.

Linebacker Moses Ogundeji plucked the ball from the air on a kickoff and preceded to run down the sideline evading numerous tackles before attempting a lateral to a non-existant team mate.

The ball was recovered by the Royals, who somehow fumbled the ball and it rolled out of play.

Lateral Fail

If you don’t laugh you’ll cry!

Playoff Picture

Here we are again, nearing the end of February and the playoff picture is beginning to take shape.

The usual suspects are in the frame coupled with a few surprise packages. FightForTheYard will TRY to create a clearer understanding of what is likely to happen.

Birmingham Lions

The Lions are once again top dogs in the MAC and their win over the Aces proved that. Birmingham Secretary Jose Van Oosten believes the team will finish strong and win the conference.

“The MAC is always competitive and, as we have seen in the last couple weeks, 2012 seems to be the year of the upsets; but we are confident that we have the ability to win our last two matches and finish as division champions. We always start each season off with the aim of going undefeated and winning the bowl game and that has not changed this year”.

Birmingham Lions

Van Oosten also has his opinions on who will join the Lions in the post season;

“Northampton is having a fantastic rookie season, which will most likely end up in some post-season action. We have always had a healthy rivalry with Loughborough and, for the sake of competition in BUAFL; we hope they continue into the Championship play-offs. No offense to Northampton, but Loughborough has a stellar program and it would be a shame for them to have to compete in the Plate competition”.

Boasting a perfect record and handsome points total all would seem rosy in Birmingham as they head towards the post season but after last year’s defeat to the Destroyers in the Championship Final, where they were favourites, returning players will know the job isn’t done and they can’t take their form for granted as they face trips to both Warwick and Derby in the coming weeks.

Lions Vice-President Drew Newiss believes they will face some stiff competition in the playoffs, “This year BUAFL has been extremely competitive. There are many teams that have the quality to go all the way, but I would single out Loughborough and Hertfordshire”

“Loughborough gave us a very good game last weekend. The fact that we won in the recent FAUK bowl will only mean they’re going to be raring to beat us next time round. Hertfordshire are also having a great season, last year our game went down to the wire. They’re a hard-hitting, well drilled team, littered with quality, and we expect them to do well”.

Southampton Stags

The Stags have steamrolled the Thames Valley Conference to go 7-o for the season with only one game, and it’s a big one, left against their rivals, Portsmouth Destroyers.

Southampton Stags

Big victories against the Buccaneers, Knights, Burners, Redhawks, Immortals, Stingers and a forfeit by the Phantoms leave Southampton on the brink of a perfect season. While scoring 239 points on offence, including three games where the opposition conceded 45 points or more, is impressive, the defence has conceded 74 points which is considerably higher than many of the top teams in the country.

If the Stags are to be serious contenders come playoff time, they will need to shore up a shaky looking defence.

Cardiff Cobras

The Cobras currently sit in a strong position in the SWAC and with a potentially decisive game approaching against the Bullets, they would be left devastated should they drop out of contention at the expense of the Exeter Demons who hold the tie breaker over them. Then again, the Demons have to win out which is unlikely.

Cardiff Cobras

Wins against the Titans, Bees, Blitz and Barracuda have left the Welshman smiling and it is up to them to get the job done in their 25th Anniversary season.

UH Sharks

The Sharks are going to need all their bite if they are to escape the brawl that is currently happening at the top of the Northern Conference. Hull are 5-1 along with the Bears but crucially hold a head to head advantage over the rookie outfit.

University of Hull Sharks

Wins over the Eagles, Hawks, Carnegie, Bears and Bombers with only defeat at the hands of the superior Sheffield Hallam has given this much improved programme a real chance of some post season action.

To extend their season they will need to overcome two difficult teams in the form of the Centurions and Celtics, not an easy task.

Northampton Nemesis

The Nemesis have become something of an enigma for all of those involved in the Midland Athletic Conference. Being a rookie team, almost everyone outside of Northampton and I suspect many inside, expected them to struggle with the harsh realities of BUAFL football but by utilising the double-wing offensive system, Nemesis have disposed of all in front of them.

Rookie receiver and President Daniel D’Urso believes there is a great spirit in the camp, ” There’s no real secret behind our 5-0 start, some may be surprised by this team but it’s been all about hard work from everyone involved, we have a great group of players and coaches here in Northampton”

Northampton Nemesis

Their schedule has come under scrutiny for allowing them a passage towards the playoffs without playing any of the top teams in the conference.

Wins over the Royals, Pythons, Falcons, Longhorns and Wolves have left the Nemesis in a favourable position with two winnable games against the Colonials and Stingers coming up and a stiff test in the Nottingham Outlaws.

D’Urso and his team have not been fazed by some of the criticism aimed at them, “I think those who are criticising both our schedule and our style of play wouldn’t be too bothered if we hadn’t achieved that 5-0 record so far”.

“‘In all honesty when it comes to game day, you can only play the team in front of you and that’s what we’ve done all season. We’ve played well enough to win all of our games so far and that is what matters to us. Some say we have a soft schedule because we don’t play teams such as Birmingham or Loughborough but we don’t control our fixtures”.

I would expect them to make the post-season in the Challenge Trophy at the very least and quite possibly finish with a 7-1 winning record but D’Urso believes the team can go all the way.

“We sit in a good position in the conference, it’s a brilliant achievement for a rookie team .This squad has the potential to compete in the playoffs and go all the way”.

Stirling Clansmen

The Clansmen have been rampant in their hunt of a playoff place, outscoring and embarrassing the smaller teams in the Border Conference. Scores of 90-0, 58-0 and 55-0 may have led them into a false sense of security before their loss at the hands of Glasgow, where they failed to make an impact on the scoreboard at all.

Stirling Clansmen

If you ignore the 20 unanswered points against the Tigers then the Stirling defence has done, wait for it, a sterling job in conceding another 14 points in five games which is impressive.

Coming up is a match with the Mustangs that will decide the outcome of the conference, definitely one to look out for.

Portsmouth Destroyers

The Destroyers are the reigning National Champions but recent results would suggest that there’ll be no repeat of last year’s heroics. Losses to the Knights and Redhawks have left the team 4-2 and on the brink of missing the playoffs something Head Coach Russ Hewitt is keen to avoid.

“This season has been a new challenge and something of a learning curve. Winning the championship last season gave us great confidence and we started the season strong but the Christmas break has done us no favours and we didn’t return they way we should have, ultimately that cost us our 15 game winning streak”.

Portsmouth Destroyers courtesy of Rhianna Dawes

The recent losses have left Coach Hewitt feeling frustrated; “I’ve watched the game film back and it is frustrating to see we outplayed our opponents but at the end of the day only the scoreboard matters”.

With a massive game approaching against the Stags, Hewitt and the Destroyers are trying everything they can to be prepared for what is to come.

“Thankfully the season is not over yet, we get another shot at our rivals, and if we take care of that game, we might have a shot at the playoffs but before all of that it’s back to the practice field.

He continued; the coaches are looking at what they’re teaching and trying to improve it but it’s also important that the players understand the teaching and that is all the coaches can do”.

With the Destroyers season hinging on the outcome of the Stags game, you can expect a good old South coast ding-dong.

Bradford Bears

The Bears have been over shadowed in their rookie season by the more talked about Northampton Nemesis. In one respect they will feel aggrieved by the lack of attention but it is that starvation of publicity that has enabled them to slip under the radar and concentrate on their football.

Bradford Bears

Wins against the Tyrants, Eagles, Celtics, Hawks and Bombers and a solitary loss against playoff rivals Hull Sharks, leaves the Bears in a great position but they face a nervous wait on other results due to the close nature at the top of the Northern Conference.

Loughborough Aces

The Aces will be reeling from their first half performance against Birmingham last weekend which ultimately cost them an important win and quite possibly a playoff berth.

Loughborough Aces

Currently 5-1 in the MAC, the Aces are pretty much guaranteed a place in the Plate but that would have been considered a failure at the start of the season by Sherratt and his coaching staff.

The Aces will be going all out in their final games against the Longhorns and Renegades to give them the best chance of joining the Lions in the playoffs. It would be disastrous for a programme like this to miss out on a shot at national glory.

Hertfordshire Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have been the dominant force in the South Eastern Conference for a good while now and the 2011-12 campaign has been no different.

Wins against the Regents, Pirates, Chargers, Spartans, Blades and Tsunami has given them licence to possibly field a few rookies in their remaining fixtures against the Falcons and Mariners as the 6-0 record they have acquired virtually guarantees them a playoff place.

Hertfordshire Hurricanes

Unlike the MAC, the SEC isn’t filled with many playoff calibre programmes so it can sometimes be hard to measure how well the Hurricanes are actually doing, but you can only beat what is in front of you and they are certainly doing that.

Kent Falcons

The Falcons have carried last year’s impressive form through to the current campaign as they look to make the post-season for the second consecutive year.

Kent Falcons

The 7-1 record achieved last year could be replicated this time around but they will have to win all their remaining games including the top of the table clash against the Hurricanes who disposed of the Falcons in a 30-0 shut-out. Should Kent lose another game then they will be nervously looking over their shoulder at the team hot on their heels, the Essex Blades.

Northumbria Mustangs

The Mustangs enter this weekend’s contest with the Clansmen knowing that it is winner takes all and the loser settles for the Plate.

Northumbria Mustangs

Currently sitting third with a 5-1 record, Northumbria have notched up 184 points leaking 70, which isn’t exactly playoff pedigree when you compare that to teams in similar positions, minus the Stags. It is vital that they keep the momentum that four successive wins has given them if they are to progress any further, a lapse in concentration could see them licking their wounds after a great start to the season.

Essex Blades

The Blades have been involved in a few close encounters this season and with a scoring record of 94 points scored and 95 points conceded its apparent why. With a one point victory over the Mariners and three points the difference against the Pirates; Essex has certainly ridden their luck.

Essex Blades

A blowout at the hands of Hertfordshire and only one other victory against a team with a winning record this year, would suggest they will be easy pickings in the post-season, should they make it.

OBU Panthers

The Panthers are 4-1 after shutting out three of their five opponents with the only blip on their record coming against playoff rivals Portsmouth Destroyers.

OBU Panthers

The main reason for OBU’s sudden rise in fortunes this year can be largely down to the improved defence which has conceded a valiant 26 points compared to nearly 150 points at the same stage last season.  The offence can also lay claim to improving as a unit with an extra 50 points to their name.

UWE Bullets

 The Bullets have continued to control the South Western Atlantic Conference as they have done for many years culminating in numerous playoffs appearances but after the recent loss to the Demons, Head Coach Mathew Dyke is determined to be in the shake up once again.

“We have been playing well especially on defence this year, and then last Sunday hit us like a ton of bricks, that said the expectation is for the club to experience play-off football for the seventh time in a row. Standing in our way is an old rivalry with the Cardiff Cobras who are a very good side and have always done well against us”.

UWE Bullets

Coach Dyke believes that his troops can make an impact in the post-season; “We will have some very good teams to play against but the Bullets have the ability and work ethic to go all the way. However we are a young team, starting many rookies and my aim as head coach is to make sure we compete in every game we play and learn from each mistake but right now it is hard to look beyond Cardiff”.

A win over the Cobras will guarantee UWE top spot in the SWAC with a 7-1 record and a good seeding in the playoffs.

Newcastle Raiders

Raider nation must be all smiles right now as another perfect regular season looks ominous with only the Glasgow Tigers standing between them and an 8-0 campaign.

Newcastle Raiders

An emphatic 334 points have been scored, with only 31 conceded in seven games which is remarkable and the Raiders must be confident of a long and prosperous post-season. Could they go all the way?

Sheffield Hallam Warriors

Coming off the back of a titanic battle with inter-city rivals Sheffield Sabres, the Warriors are sitting pretty at the top of the Northern Conference with aspirations to do well in the playoffs.

Early season wins against the Celtics, Bombers and Hawks were, how should I put this? Easy? Yes, Hallam amassed 254 unanswered points in the space of twelve quarters of football. Wow indeed.

It is form like that which has led Hallam linebacker Anthony Marsden to believe they can go one better than last year.

“I think we have a good chance of going all the way this year, we made the semi finals against Portsmouth last year and only lost by a single score. We don’t fear anyone as we believe if we perform to the best of our teams ability, we can handle whoever stands in front of us. However if I wanted to avoid one team then it would be Birmingham as they pose a big challeng”.

The Warriors have continued to rack up the points leaving them the highest scoring team in the country with 390 points and two games still to play. Good luck to the defences of York and Leeds Carnegie, something tells me you’ll need it.

So thats about it, I think, I’ve got a headache, well done if you made it to the end. Come Sunday afternoon this will probably be irrelevant and I’ll have to write a new one . . . Oh boy!

Thanks to everyone who was willing to be interviewed and for their input and continued support. FightForTheYard.

BAFANL 2012 Fixtures

The BAFANL 2012 fixture list was announced yesterday, throwing up some tasty looking matches.

The current BritBowl Champions London Blitz, open their 2012 campaign away at the Ipswich Cardinals after the Farnham Knights announced their intention to sit out this season, with the intention of re-joining in 2013.

Vernon Kay and his London Warriors will meet the Blitz in a re-run of their BritBowl showdown in May, with the hosts looking for a better result than the 18-0 loss they suffered in September.

Only 50 days till the big kick-off, bring it on!

Premier North

date	kickoff	home	away
15/04/2012	14:30	Doncaster Mustangs	East Kilbride Pirates
22/04/2012	14:30	Leicester Falcons	Yorkshire Rams
28/04/2012	16:00	Birmingham Bulls	East Kilbride Pirates
29/04/2012	15:00	Tamworth Phoenix	Doncaster Mustangs
06/05/2012	14:30	Birmingham Bulls	Yorkshire Rams
06/05/2012	15:00	Tamworth Phoenix	East Kilbride Pirates
13/05/2012	14:30	Birmingham Bulls	Leicester Falcons
13/05/2012	14:30	Yorkshire Rams	Tamworth Phoenix
20/05/2012	14:30	Doncaster Mustangs	Leicester Falcons
20/05/2012	16:00	East Kilbride Pirates	Tamworth Phoenix
27/05/2012	14:30	Doncaster Mustangs	Yorkshire Rams
02/06/2012	16:00	Yorkshire Rams	Birmingham Bulls
09/06/2012	14:30	Yorkshire Rams	East Kilbride Pirates
09/06/2012	14:30	Birmingham Bulls	Tamworth Phoenix
09/06/2012	16:00	Leicester Falcons	Doncaster Mustangs
17/06/2012	14:30	Doncaster Mustangs	Birmingham Bulls
17/06/2012	16:00	Leicester Falcons	Tamworth Phoenix
24/06/2012	12:00	East Kilbride Pirates	Leicester Falcons
24/06/2012	14:30	Yorkshire Rams	Doncaster Mustangs
24/06/2012	15:00	Tamworth Phoenix	Birmingham Bulls
08/07/2012	14:30	Tamworth Phoenix	Yorkshire Rams
08/07/2012	14:30	Birmingham Bulls	Doncaster Mustangs
08/07/2012	16:00	Leicester Falcons	East Kilbride Pirates
14/07/2012	15:00	Tamworth Phoenix	Leicester Falcons
14/07/2012	18:00	East Kilbride Pirates	Birmingham Bulls
22/07/2012	14:30	East Kilbride Pirates	Doncaster Mustangs
22/07/2012	14:30	Yorkshire Rams	Leicester Falcons
28/07/2012	16:00	Leicester Falcons	Birmingham Bulls
28/07/2012	17:00	East Kilbride Pirates	Yorkshire Rams
29/07/2012	14:30	Doncaster Mustangs	Tamworth Phoenix

Premier South

date	kickoff	home	away
15/04/2012	14:30	Bristol Aztecs	Ipswich Cardinals
15/04/2012	14:30	London Olympians	Farnham Knights
21/04/2012	12:00	Farnham Knights	London Olympians
22/04/2012	14:30	Ipswich Cardinals	London Warriors
29/04/2012	12:00	London Blitz	Farnham Knights
29/04/2012	14:30	London Olympians	Ipswich Cardinals
29/04/2012	15:00	London Warriors	Bristol Aztecs
05/05/2012	12:00	Farnham Knights	Bristol Aztecs
06/05/2012	14:30	London Olympians	London Warriors
13/05/2012	14:30	Ipswich Cardinals	London Blitz
13/05/2012	15:00	London Warriors	Farnham Knights
20/05/2012	15:00	London Blitz	London Warriors
27/05/2012	14:30	Bristol Aztecs	Farnham Knights
03/06/2012	14:30	London Warriors	London Olympians
03/06/2012	15:00	London Blitz	Ipswich Cardinals
09/06/2012	12:00	Farnham Knights	London Warriors
10/06/2012	15:00	Bristol Aztecs	London Blitz
17/06/2012	14:30	Ipswich Cardinals	Bristol Aztecs
17/06/2012	14:30	London Olympians	London Blitz
24/06/2012	15:00	London Warriors	Ipswich Cardinals
24/06/2012	15:00	London Blitz	Bristol Aztecs
07/07/2012	14:30	London Blitz	London Olympians
08/07/2012	14:30	Bristol Aztecs	London Warriors
15/07/2012	14:30	Bristol Aztecs	London Olympians
15/07/2012	14:30	Farnham Knights	Ipswich Cardinals
15/07/2012	15:00	London Warriors	London Blitz
21/07/2012	17:00	Ipswich Cardinals	Farnham Knights
22/07/2012	14:30	London Olympians	Bristol Aztecs
29/07/2012	14:30	Farnham Knights	London Blitz
29/07/2012	14:30	Ipswich Cardinals	London Olympians

Division One Central & South

date	kickoff	home	away
15/04/2012	14:30	Cambridgeshire Cats	Sussex Thunder
15/04/2012	15:00	Hampshire Thrashers	Kent Exiles
21/04/2012	15:00	Hampshire Thrashers	Berkshire Renegades
22/04/2012	14:30	East Kent Mavericks	Kent Exiles
28/04/2012	14:30	Berkshire Renegades	Cambridgeshire Cats
28/04/2012	18:00	South Wales Warriors	Hampshire Thrashers
29/04/2012	14:30	East Kent Mavericks	Sussex Thunder
06/05/2012	12:00	Kent Exiles	Essex Spartans
06/05/2012	14:30	Berkshire Renegades	South Wales Warriors
12/05/2012	14:30	Cambridgeshire Cats	East Kent Mavericks
13/05/2012	14:30	Essex Spartans	Hampshire Thrashers
20/05/2012	12:00	Kent Exiles	Cambridgeshire Cats
20/05/2012	14:30	Essex Spartans	Sussex Thunder
20/05/2012	14:30	East Kent Mavericks	Berkshire Renegades
26/05/2012	14:30	South Wales Warriors	Kent Exiles
27/05/2012	14:30	Sussex Thunder	East Kent Mavericks
27/05/2012	15:00	Hampshire Thrashers	Essex Spartans
02/06/2012	18:00	Sussex Thunder	South Wales Warriors
03/06/2012	12:00	Kent Exiles	Hampshire Thrashers
03/06/2012	14:30	Cambridgeshire Cats	Berkshire Renegades
10/06/2012	14:30	Sussex Thunder	Cambridgeshire Cats
10/06/2012	14:30	Kent Exiles	Berkshire Renegades
10/06/2012	14:30	Essex Spartans	East Kent Mavericks
10/06/2012	15:00	Hampshire Thrashers	South Wales Warriors
16/06/2012	14:30	South Wales Warriors	Essex Spartans
17/06/2012	12:00	Kent Exiles	Sussex Thunder
17/06/2012	14:30	East Kent Mavericks	Hampshire Thrashers
23/06/2012	14:30	Cambridgeshire Cats	South Wales Warriors
24/06/2012	14:30	Sussex Thunder	Berkshire Renegades
01/07/2012	14:30	Sussex Thunder	Hampshire Thrashers
07/07/2012	12:00	Berkshire Renegades	Essex Spartans
07/07/2012	15:00	South Wales Warriors	East Kent Mavericks
07/07/2012	15:00	Hampshire Thrashers	Cambridgeshire Cats
08/07/2012	14:30	Essex Spartans	Kent Exiles
14/07/2012	15:00	East Kent Mavericks	South Wales Warriors
15/07/2012	12:00	Berkshire Renegades	Kent Exiles
22/07/2012	15:00	Cambridgeshire Cats	Essex Spartans
28/07/2012	18:00	South Wales Warriors	Sussex Thunder
29/07/2012	14:30	Berkshire Renegades	East Kent Mavericks
29/07/2012	14:30	Essex Spartans	Cambridgeshire Cats

Division One North

date	kickoff	home	away
15/04/2012	15:00	Nottingham Ceasars	Coventry Jets
15/04/2012	15:00	Gateshead Senators	Lancashire Wolverines
22/04/2012	13:00	Merseyside Nighthawks	Nottingham Ceasars
22/04/2012	15:00	Coventry Jets	West Coast Trojans
28/04/2012	14:30	Shropshire Revolution	Coventry Jets
29/04/2012	14:30	Nottingham Ceasars	Lancashire Wolverines
06/05/2012	13:00	Merseyside Nighthawks	Nottingham Ceasars
06/05/2012	15:00	Coventry Jets	Lancashire Wolverines
06/05/2012	15:00	Gateshead Senators	Shropshire Revolution
13/05/2012	13:00	Merseyside Nighthawks	Gateshead Senators
20/05/2012	14:30	Nottingham Ceasars	West Coast Trojans
20/05/2012	14:30	Shropshire Revolution	Merseyside Nighthawks
26/05/2012	15:00	Lancashire Wolverines	Shropshire Revolution
26/05/2012	15:00	Coventry Jets	Nottingham Ceasars
27/05/2012	14:30	West Coast Trojans	Gateshead Senators
02/06/2012	14:30	Gateshead Senators	Coventry Jets
03/06/2012	14:30	Nottingham Ceasars	Shropshire Revolution
10/06/2012	13:00	Merseyside Nighthawks	Lancashire Wolverines
10/06/2012	14:30	Shropshire Revolution	Nottingham Ceasars
10/06/2012	15:00	Gateshead Senators	West Coast Trojans
17/06/2012	14:30	West Coast Trojans	Merseyside Nighthawks
17/06/2012	14:30	Nottingham Ceasars	Gateshead Senators
17/06/2012	15:00	Lancashire Wolverines	Coventry Jets
24/06/2012	15:00	Coventry Jets	Merseyside Nighthawks
24/06/2012	15:00	Lancashire Wolverines	Gateshead Senators
24/06/2012	16:00	West Coast Trojans	Shropshire Revolution
07/07/2012	13:00	Merseyside Nighthawks	West Coast Trojans
08/07/2012	14:30	Shropshire Revolution	Lancashire Wolverines
15/07/2012	14:30	Gateshead Senators	Merseyside Nighthawks
15/07/2012	14:30	West Coast Trojans	Nottingham Ceasars
15/07/2012	15:00	Coventry Jets	Shropshire Revolution
21/07/2012	14:30	West Coast Trojans	Coventry Jets
22/07/2012	14:30	Shropshire Revolution	Gateshead Senators
22/07/2012	15:00	Lancashire Wolverines	Merseyside Nighthawks
29/07/2012	14:30	Lancashire Wolverines	West Coast Trojans

Division Two Central

date	kickoff	home	away
14/04/2012	14:30	Lincolnshire Bombers	D C Presidents
21/04/2012	14:30	Lincolnshire Bombers	Chester Romans
22/04/2012	14:30	Staffordshire Surge	Crewe Railroaders
29/04/2012	14:30	Crewe Railroaders	Lincolnshire Bombers
29/04/2012	16:00	Chester Romans	D C Presidents
05/05/2012	15:00	Manchester Titans	Crewe Railroaders
06/05/2012	14:30	Staffordshire Surge	Sheffield Predators
12/05/2012	14:30	Lincolnshire Bombers	Crewe Railroaders
13/05/2012	14:30	Sheffield Predators	Staffordshire Surge
19/05/2012	12:00	Chester Romans	Crewe Railroaders
20/05/2012	14:30	Sheffield Predators	Lincolnshire Bombers
20/05/2012	14:30	D C Presidents	Manchester Titans
26/05/2012	14:30	Crewe Railroaders	Manchester Titans
27/05/2012	14:30	Chester Romans	Lincolnshire Bombers
27/05/2012	14:30	D C Presidents	Staffordshire Surge
02/06/2012	14:30	Sheffield Predators	Manchester Titans
03/06/2012	14:30	Crewe Railroaders	Chester Romans
09/06/2012	16:00	D C Presidents	Crewe Railroaders
10/06/2012	14:30	Lincolnshire Bombers	Sheffield Predators
16/06/2012	14:30	Staffordshire Surge	Chester Romans
16/06/2012	16:00	D C Presidents	Sheffield Predators
17/06/2012	14:30	Lincolnshire Bombers	Manchester Titans
23/06/2012	14:30	Manchester Titans	Chester Romans
24/06/2012	14:30	Staffordshire Surge	Lincolnshire Bombers
24/06/2012	14:30	Sheffield Predators	D C Presidents
07/07/2012	15:00	Manchester Titans	Staffordshire Surge
08/07/2012	14:30	Chester Romans	D C Presidents
15/07/2012	14:30	Sheffield Predators	Chester Romans
15/07/2012	14:30	Staffordshire Surge	Manchester Titans
22/07/2012	14:30	Crewe Railroaders	Staffordshire Surge
22/07/2012	14:30	D C Presidents	Lincolnshire Bombers
22/07/2012	15:00	Manchester Titans	Sheffield Predators
29/07/2012	14:30	Crewe Railroaders	Sheffield Predators
29/07/2012	14:30	Chester Romans	Staffordshire Surge
29/07/2012	15:00	Manchester Titans	D C Presidents

Division Two East

date	kickoff	home	away
14/04/2012	12:00	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders	Peterborough Saxons
14/04/2012	14:30	Milton Keynes Pathfinders	Colchester Gladiators
15/04/2012	14:30	Maidstone Pumas	Watford Cheetahs
21/04/2012	15:00	Watford Cheetahs	Colchester Gladiators
22/04/2012	14:30	Maidstone Pumas	Milton Keynes Pathfinders
06/05/2012	12:00	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders	Watford Cheetahs
06/05/2012	14:30	Maidstone Pumas	Colchester Gladiators
06/05/2012	14:30	Peterborough Saxons	Milton Keynes Pathfinders
13/05/2012	14:30	Milton Keynes Pathfinders	Peterborough Saxons
13/05/2012	14:30	Maidstone Pumas	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders
20/05/2012	14:30	Colchester Gladiators	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders
26/05/2012	14:30	Colchester Gladiators	Maidstone Pumas
27/05/2012	14:30	Milton Keynes Pathfinders	Watford Cheetahs
02/06/2012	12:00	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders	Maidstone Pumas
03/06/2012	14:30	Watford Cheetahs	Peterborough Saxons
10/06/2012	14:30	Colchester Gladiators	Milton Keynes Pathfinders
16/06/2012	14:30	Peterborough Saxons	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders
23/06/2012	14:30	Milton Keynes Pathfinders	Maidstone Pumas
23/06/2012	14:30	Peterborough Saxons	Watford Cheetahs
24/06/2012	12:00	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders	Colchester Gladiators
07/07/2012	14:30	Peterborough Saxons	Colchester Gladiators
07/07/2012	16:00	Watford Cheetahs	Milton Keynes Pathfinders
14/07/2012	12:00	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders	Milton Keynes Pathfinders
15/07/2012	14:30	Colchester Gladiators	Peterborough Saxons
15/07/2012	14:30	Watford Cheetahs	Maidstone Pumas
21/07/2012	14:30	Colchester Gladiators	Watford Cheetahs
21/07/2012	14:30	Milton Keynes Pathfinders	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders
22/07/2012	14:30	Maidstone Pumas	Peterborough Saxons
28/07/2012	14:30	Peterborough Saxons	Maidstone Pumas
29/07/2012	14:30	Watford Cheetahs	Bedfordshire Blue Raiders

Division Two North

date	kickoff	home	away
15/04/2012	14:30	Dundee Hurricanes	Carlisle Border Reivers
15/04/2012	15:30	Glasgow Tigers	Clyde Valley Blackhawks
22/04/2012	14:30	Carlisle Border Reivers	Clyde Valley Blackhawks
28/04/2012	14:30	Dundee Hurricanes	Highland Wildcats
29/04/2012	14:30	Edinburgh Wolves	Carlisle Border Reivers
29/04/2012	14:30	Clyde Valley Blackhawks	Glasgow Tigers
06/05/2012	14:30	Clyde Valley Blackhawks	Highland Wildcats
06/05/2012	14:30	Glasgow Tigers	Edinburgh Wolves
13/05/2012	14:30	Carlisle Border Reivers	Dundee Hurricanes
13/05/2012	14:30	Highland Wildcats	Edinburgh Wolves
20/05/2012	14:30	Highland Wildcats	Clyde Valley Blackhawks
20/05/2012	14:30	Carlisle Border Reivers	Glasgow Tigers
26/05/2012	14:30	Edinburgh Wolves	Dundee Hurricanes
27/05/2012	14:30	Glasgow Tigers	Highland Wildcats
03/06/2012	14:30	Clyde Valley Blackhawks	Dundee Hurricanes
03/06/2012	14:30	Edinburgh Wolves	Glasgow Tigers
10/06/2012	14:30	Highland Wildcats	Carlisle Border Reivers
10/06/2012	14:30	Dundee Hurricanes	Clyde Valley Blackhawks
16/06/2012	14:30	Clyde Valley Blackhawks	Edinburgh Wolves
17/06/2012	14:30	Carlisle Border Reivers	Highland Wildcats
17/06/2012	15:00	Glasgow Tigers	Dundee Hurricanes
24/06/2012	14:30	Clyde Valley Blackhawks	Carlisle Border Reivers
08/07/2012	14:30	Dundee Hurricanes	Edinburgh Wolves
08/07/2012	14:30	Glasgow Tigers	Carlisle Border Reivers
14/07/2012	14:30	Edinburgh Wolves	Clyde Valley Blackhawks
15/07/2012	14:30	Highland Wildcats	Dundee Hurricanes
21/07/2012	14:30	Dundee Hurricanes	Glasgow Tigers
22/07/2012	14:30	Edinburgh Wolves	Highland Wildcats
29/07/2012	14:30	Carlisle Border Reivers	Edinburgh Wolves
29/07/2012	14:30	Highland Wildcats	Glasgow Tigers

Division Two West

date	kickoff	home	away
14/04/2012	14:30	Gloucester Centurions	Bristol Apache
21/04/2012	14:30	Bournemouth Bobcats	Cornish Sharks
28/04/2012	14:30	Bournemouth Bobcats	Gloucester Centurions
05/05/2012	14:30	Bristol Apache	Oxford Saints
05/05/2012	14:30	Cornish Sharks	Gloucester Centurions
12/05/2012	14:30	Gloucester Centurions	Cornish Sharks
19/05/2012	14:30	Bristol Apache	Bournemouth Bobcats
20/05/2012	14:30	Oxford Saints	Gloucester Centurions
26/05/2012	14:30	Cornish Sharks	Bournemouth Bobcats
27/05/2012	14:30	Oxford Saints	Bristol Apache
02/06/2012	14:30	Bristol Apache	Gloucester Centurions
03/06/2012	14:30	Oxford Saints	Cornish Sharks
09/06/2012	14:30	Bristol Apache	Cornish Sharks
17/06/2012	14:30	Bournemouth Bobcats	Oxford Saints
23/06/2012	14:30	Cornish Sharks	Gloucester Centurions
24/06/2012	14:30	Oxford Saints	Bournemouth Bobcats
30/06/2012	14:30	Cornish Sharks	Bristol Apache
07/07/2012	14:30	Bournemouth Bobcats	Bristol Apache
07/07/2012	14:30	Oxford Saints	Cornish Sharks
14/07/2012	14:30	Bristol Apache	Oxford Saints
15/07/2012	14:30	Gloucester Centurions	Bournemouth Bobcats
21/07/2012	14:30	Cornish Sharks	Bournemouth Bobcats
22/07/2012	14:30	Gloucester Centurions	Oxford Saints
28/07/2012	14:30	Bournemouth Bobcats	Oxford Saints
28/07/2012	14:30	Gloucester Centurions	Bristol Apache

Sherratt Looks To The Future

Loughborough Aces may have been beaten for the first time at the weekend but Head Coach Paul Sherratt isn’t panicking just yet, preferring to concentrate on next week’s crucial encounter with Nottingham Trent Renegades.

Loughborough Aces Head Coach Sherratt

“We have NTU this Saturday, our homecoming game, kicking off at 1pm. Lots of our old boys are coming back to watch the game and for a social afterwards.  We’ll focus on getting better at practice and putting in a whole four quarter performance.  We’re not looking past that at the moment, NTU are a good team who always give us problems”.

Reflecting on Saturday’s first half collapse against a talented Birmingham Lions unit, Sherratt drew comparisons to their Buafl Championship game in 2010.

“I was disappointed with the opening quarter offensively; we missed a lot of blocks which put our quarterback under a lot of pressure”.

He continued, “Defence played well but when you play man coverage and try to bring a bit of pressure there’s always the chance of the other team completing the big pass and all credit to Birmingham, they did. It was a copycat of the 2010 final in many ways, we almost need to get a half out of the way before we start playing”.

Fortunately for the Aces the second half was much improved as they protected their quarterback much better, got running back Adam Hope into the game and shut Birmingham out.

“Second half I was really proud of the team and how they responded to being behind. There were a lot of great individual performances and a lot of guys played hurt which showed their toughness”.

Sherratt’s assessment of Birmingham was a gracious one considering the Lions have seriously dented the Aces play-off hopes, especially if the Northampton Nemesis continue their remarkable run and he also had time to wish defensive end Kyle Burrows all the best after he picked up a nasty looking knee injury.

“They’re good but we knew that. Their defensive line was strong which caused us some problems and they have speed behind them so that makes it tough offensively”.

“I think we showed we can compete with them and a couple of yards on a few plays here and there and who knows? They played well, deserved to win and best of luck to them. I would also like to wish Kyle Burrows a speedy recovery”.

FightForTheYard would like to thank Paul Sherratt for his time and willingness to conduct this interview

Lions Versus Aces Match Report

It’s an old cliché but this clash could be described as ‘a game of two halves’.

Before I get to the nitty-gritty of what actually happened, I’ll set the scene. Pulling up at the University complex, the rain is lashing down on the windscreen of my little Nissan Micra, which had performed miracles just staying on the rain swept motorways, I look out and I think to myself, ‘Was this really worth it?’

Hat. Scarf. Gloves on, I make my way to the pitch side with notebook and pen in hand and what I was about to witness, was in fact, worth the effort.

Captain's handshake

First Quarter

Loughborough started proceedings, after both sides had done their hardest to psyche each other out in the huddles, with Birmingham returning the ball to the Aces 40 yard line after a late hit was flagged.

Two pounding runs up the middle from GB running back Dan Conroy and then a pass to the flat put the Lions in a fairly strong position but after quarterback Jonny Glover rolled to his right on fourth down, he could not connect to wide receiver TeeJay Dar-Orunega, who should have done better.

Loughborough Aces quarterback Nick Jacquet entered the field knowing he would need a big day if the Aces offense were to prevail against a talented Lions defence but it could not have got off to a worse start, with only his second snap, a double effort from Sam Marshall and Denzil Byron brought Jacquet to his kness in the end zone to concede a safety and give Birmingham a very early lead. [ 2 VS 0 ]

The next Birmingham possession also brought points with Glover completing a throw to wide receiver Ben Brown, who had an excellent game, resulting in a touchdown and [ 8 VS 0 ] lead after the field goal attempt was blocked.

Jacquet took to the field for the second time and was hopeful of recouping some confidence and making yards on the Birmingham defence. Former league MVP Adam Hope was given his chance but was gang tackled, making just two yards.

With second and eight remaining, Jacquet was like a rabbit caught in the headlights of the Birmingham express, as he was once again sacked giving Loughborough no choice but to punt the ball away.

The rest of the quarter was played out with errors on both sides of the ball. Glover and Julian Morgan collided after the snap and fumbled but were able to retrieve the bouncing ball; while Loughborough quarterback Nick Jacquet was once again sacked after a fake handoff to Hope failed to distract the oncoming pass rush.

This meant Loughborough were left with no option but to punt the ball away, yet a lack of discipline by the Lions special team gave the Aces the ball back after a flag for roughing the kicker.

Second Quarter

The Aces resumed the game in similar fashion to the way they began it with slot receiver Ben Burslem grinding to a halt after a big hit by defender Greg Pearson and then the inevitable sack on Jacquet came with the offensive line offering little protection resulting in a punt.

The next Lions possession saw them march on Loughborough with Glover being given the time of the day to pick a pass and he duly obliged, completing to wide receiver Drew Newiss for a 60 yard gain before being brought down by Aces linebacker Jean-Paul Jones.

Running back Dan Conroy then thought he had scored a mesmerising 20 yard run for it to be called back for illegal motion in the Birmingham backfield. The disappointment didn’t last long on the Lions sideline as two plays later Glover threw his second touchdown of the day, this time to Drew Newiss. The resulting field goal was fired wide left leaving Birmingham ahead by fourteen points. [ 14 VS 0 ]

The Loughborough offence skipped on to the pitch trying to motivate each other and instil some extra belief into what they were trying to do.

Quarterback Jacquet must by now have been thinking ‘what do I have to do to avoid falling on my ass?’…  he was kept wondering after being brought to the ground once again as stand-out performer Sam Marshall lay on top of him.

Loughborough looking for some rhythm

Fortunately for the Aces, Jacquet was able to brush himself down and complete a well thrown pass to receiver John Mathewson who galloped forward to reach the first down marker.

After finally finding some rhythm, Jacquet managed to wriggle free of the Birmingham defensive line and scamper away for a 12 yard gain.

At last it looked like the Loughborough offence that had been so prominent in previous games had arrived, but it was a false dawn as just like that Sam Marshall pounced on a tip ball and sprinted 75 yards for a Birmingham defensive touchdown while the Loughborough sideline watched on in horror. [ 21 VS 0 ]

The half ended with Jacquet throwing an interception into the Birmingham end zone and defensive back AJay Crabbe coming away with the ball.

Third Quarter

After the break Jacquet and the Loughborough Aces sprung out of the trap, surely knowing that if they were to avoid an embarrassing score line, they would need to step up their game and take it to Birmingham.

Quarterback Nick Jacquet waiting to snap the ball

After connecting with slot receiver Chris Ossom, Jacquet scrambled to the left and was taken out by Great Britain defensive end Kyle Burrows who would injure his ankle on the play and be unable to continue.

Ben Burslem completed a big run for a first down before Loughborough would finally get on the scoreboard with a well thrown ball to Chris Ossom. The extra point was fumbled after the snap so the score remained [ 21 VS 6 ] to the Lions.

The Lions were aware that the tide was turning so they handed off to the reliable Dan Conroy but even he was thrown to the floor by the physically impressive linebacker, Jon Varney. Could the Aces actually come back from this?

Quarterback Sope Dirisu was now under centre for the Lions and began with a confident pass to Ben Brown but ultimately the drive would stall and Birmingham was forced to punt.

Adam Hope had so far been used as a battering ram for the Aces but was given a chance to shine, receiving the ball on three consecutive plays making almost 40 yards in the process. This new found faith in Hope resulted in Loughborough reaching the Birmingham 20 yard line only for a fumbled pass to ruin all their hard work and leave Birmingham gasping with a sigh of relief.

The Lions had a chance to close out the quarter on top but a fumbled snap gave Loughborough possession back immediately as the referee signalled for time.

Fourth Quarter

A rejuvenated Aces offense carried on the feel good factor with Jacquet throwing to Ossom and Hope dancing through missed tackles as smiles turned to frowns amongst the Lions ranks.

After a series of penalties on both sides of the ball, Nick Jacquet rolled to the right looping the ball to running back Hope, who tip toed down the sideline and dived for the pylon. The call was good and Loughborough were serious contenders again. [21 VS 13]

Knowing that time was against them and a team in front of them capable of running down the clock, Head Coach Paul Sherratt decided to go for the onside kick, a brave decision that would prove unsuccessful as Birmingham gathered the ball.

Both sides were misfiring under the pressure and traded punts before Sope Dirisu threw to Drew Newiss to enter Loughborough territory leaving Aces fans fearing the worse.

After a misplaced throw and sack by Dirisu the pressure was on to convert third and long and he thought he had done when the Lions executed a screen play for Dan Conroy perfectly before it was brought back for a hold.

Loughborough had 2min 52 seconds left on the clock and would have to go the full length of the pitch if they were to force overtime, at the very least but a sack by Game MVP Josh Vine, ended all hopes and they conceded the game with about a minute remaining.

End of the game

Overview

Birmingham showed today why they were runner-ups last season and why they are red hot favourites to make a finals appearance once again. They exploited the weaknesses on the Loughborough offence and executed some well drawn out plays.

Loughborough were in danger of being blown out of the water in the first half but they deserve huge credit for having the desire and ability to get back in to the game.

Final Score

Birmingham Lions 21 VS 13 Loughborough Aces

*FightForTheYard would like to thank Sope Dirisu for the interview and Michael Gill for standing in the cold with him.*

Sope Dirisu Interview

FightForTheYard has secured the thoughts of Birmingham Lions star quarterback Sope Dirisu on the eve of the first Football America UK Bowl.

The clash between the Birmingham Lions and Loughborough Aces is itself worthy of a Championship game but on Saturday 19th February, the winner of this conference brawl will be in pole position and favourites for an assault at national glory.

Birmingham Lions Quarterback Sope Dirisu

One of the men hoping to be on the winning team is veteran quarterback and team president Sope Dirisu.

Dirisu has been left frustrated by the postponement of recent games but is excited to finally be playing again, “I’m really psyched and looking forward to the Loughborough game. Having had two of our games in the run up to this one called off, the whole team is just raring to go, eager for a game and wanting to properly get back to football”.

Playing at the quarterback position, the spotlight is always going to be on you and some players either rise or crumble under the pressure, Dirisu thankfully has another quarterback who can carry some of that burden and expectation, Jonny Glover.

Glover sounds like he should be in an American television show like ‘Friday Night Lights’ but Dirisu is adamant that he has no qualms about the rotation system currently in use in Birmingham.

“We have a motto at the Lions which is ‘Always Compete’ and I guess we’ve been competing with each other since preseason. It provides great competition between the two of us and I think we play better when we know the other is nipping at our heels and if it makes us better, it makes the team better”.

Dirisu focused during practise

“The competition doesn’t hinder our friendship at all, Jonny’s a great guy. With this being my last year with the Lions, I know the team is in great hands with Jonny and our new Rookie Alex ‘Flacco’ Wake-Warlow under centre”.

Without beating around the bush, the two teams on show today are the ‘crème de la crème’ of the Midland Athletic Conference and it promises to be a tight, physical encounter.

“Loughborough are clearly one of our greater rivals in the BUAFL and I’ve never played a mediocre or lacklustre game against them and I’m sure that this will be no different. They’re a great side with some talented ‘ballers’ and always provide a stiff competition”.

Dirisu is respectful of the competition but ultimately expects his troops to get the job done, “Without being biased and having looked at the way my guys have trained I see plenty of desire and their attitude towards preparing for the game has been great. I know we’ll be more than a match for the Aces”.

Whatever the outcome, it is set up to be one hell of a game.

FightForTheYard will be delivering a full match report in due course.

Football America UK Bowl

Federer vs Nadal, Ali vs Frazier, Woods vs Mickleson, Senna vs Prost

While rarely mentioned in the same breath, Birmingham Lions vs Loughborough Aces holds similar significance in the world of the British University American Football League.

Two of the country’s powerhouse programs clash on Saturday 18th February, Birmingham,  in what – not could, but will decide the eventual winner of the Midland Athletic Conference in the inaugural Football America UK Bowl.

Last year’s runners-up Birmingham Lions have strolled through the first half of the campaign going 5-0 and picking off the likes of NTU Renegades, Coventry Jets, Nottingham Outlaws and the Staffordshire Stallions while games against Lincoln Colonials and Derby Braves have fallen foul to the adverse weather.

Scoring a total of 208 points, offense has obviously been a breeze for the Lions even with the slightly odd situation they have at quarterback.

Lions QB Jonny Glover against Staffordshire Stallions

Since star quarterback Tristan Varney’s serious injury in the corresponding fixture last season, Birmingham has been rotating pocket passer Jonny Glover and the big arm scrambler Sope Dirisu. It may be normal policy for lesser teams to rotate quarterbacks as they try to find a winning combination but it is widely acknowledged that a stable team breeds confidence and positive results but Birmingham seem to have bucked the trend and credit to Head Coach Wayne Hill for recognising that.

While the offense has been racking up huge numbers, the defence has been labelled as one of the stingiest in the league conceding mere 14 points, coincidently coming against both Nottingham teams.

Running a 3-4 defensive scheme the Lions are geared up to stop the run but that will not stop the inevitable pass rush from their GB calibre linemen and linebackers.

Aces RB Adam Hope against Nottingham Outlaws

The inevitable run that I speak of is one of the strongest in the entire league and with the ball under the arm of 2011 League MVP Adam Hope, Birmingham will have to dig deep in the trenches and be capable of keeping the outside contain as that is where Hope and co like to run.

Birmingham themselves have a GB running back and if they are to be successful on Saturday they cannot solely rely on the impressive passing game that has so far served them well because if they do, their defence will have a hell of a job keeping them in the game.

Trying to halt the Lions express is an equally dominant Loughborough defence who have conceded only six points more than their opposition. Loughborough have recorded emphatic wins over Nottingham Outlaws, Warwick Wolves, Staffordshire Stallions, Coventry Jets and the Derby Braves scoring 224 points in the process, more than Birmingham.

Blessed with two Tamworth Phoenix linebackers in Varney and Saari, the Aces have one of the hardest hitting defences in the country and with both sent on blitzes regularly, they have a history of creating turnovers, something that could be a game changer at the weekend.

Aces QB Nick Jacquet waiting for the snap

On the other side of the ball Loughborough use a triple option offence which enables them to keep the defence occupied while quarterback Nick Jacquet who lines up in a pistol offence has the time to pick his pass and make the completion.

Having sacked him twice myself this season, I am looking forward to seeing how Jacquet copes with the pass rush that Birmingham will throw at him but if things do become a bit hectic he can always hand off to four year veteran Hope.

With this year’s game being sponsored and subsequently called the Football America UK Bowl it is ironic that we could have been talking about another bowl game, yes, the Varney Bowl.

With Tristan injured we have been robbed of a game that would have pitted a special quarterback versus his younger brother Jon Varney, a rising star on the Great Britain scene.

The match is scheduled to take place on a 3G pitch which Birmingham will be used to playing on but Loughborough I believe are yet to take to the surface this season. In a game as tight as this is anticipated to be , any advantage could be magnified and prove crucial come the final whistle.

Loughborough Head Coach Paul Sherratt has been kind enough to speak with FightForTheYard ahead of the big game.

Loughborough Aces HC Paul Sherratt

With the weather being so bad, Loughborough were forced to postpone there varsity game with Leicester Longhorns further disrupting there preparation.

“Weather has certainly been a factor as it has for everyone, we lost a week of practice time plus a game. We always have some challenges after Christmas due to the University’s extended exam period. It has been a long time since our last game in December but our players have responded well. We’ve been focussed on getting ourselves ready to play rather than focussing too much on our opponent. Hopefully it won’t take us too long to get back into game mode”.

For Paul there is no better feeling than the build up to a big conference game, ” I talk to Wayne Hill (Birmingham Lions Head Coach), a lot about the pros and cons of a two-tier system but one of the consequences of the MAC in its current form is that you really can’t judge how good you are based on results against some of the teams in the lower half of the conference”.

“I think if you talked to anyone in the Lions or Aces programmes we would want to play games of this magnitude every week. There is a real buzz about the game and it makes it more exciting for everyone involved. I believe it will be a great game and hopefully both teams can go on to represent the MAC in the playoffs”.

When asked how he expected the game to pan out, Sherratt said; “I honestly don’t know. There are some great players on both sides and whoever makes the most big plays will win the game”.

He continued; “There are a lot of key match-ups all over the field so it should be a great one to watch. Recent encounters have been close, usually decided by a score or two with both sides trading touchdowns. I would expect it to be quite conservative to begin with and then gradually open up, special teams will be a factor for sure as it has been in previous games”.

Paul would also like to extend his gratitude to Football America, “I would like to thank Football America UK for sponsoring the game. Wayne, Dave Hagger and I have spoken about it at the AFCA convention on Texas over a beer; it’s great that it is now a reality. Football America has been really good to our programme and they help us out a lot”.

Prediction:

I am anticipating a very close yet high scoring encounter on Saturday with both sides impressing. Looking through the stats and history of this game their isn’t a great deal to choose from so I am going to go on my gut feeling.

Having played both these teams this season, I was slightly more impressed with the Lions and with the home advantage they just edge it for me.

Loughborough Aces 21 – 30 Birmingham Lions

FightForTheYard will be in attendance and have a full match report soon after. Follow for regular updates on the Official FightForTheYard Twitter page.

Neil Reynolds Exclusive

“They don’t even know we play, they’d actually be quite shocked! That’s their problem.”

That is the surprise admission from NFL journalist and Sky Sports analyst Neil Reynolds, 39, who believes the British game is on the right track, even if the Americans are oblivious to the fact we even play the sport at all.

Neil Reynolds with Joe Montana

Mr Reynolds was kind enough to speak to FightForTheYard and give his views on everything football.

“I got into the sport the way most people my age did, staying up late with my dad in the eighties, watching all the best teams on Channel 4. After about a year I decided I liked the San Francisco 49ers”.

Miami Dolphins Quarterback 1983-99 Dan Marino

While the 49ers led by Hall Of Fame star Joe Montana were appealing at first, they held no real place in Neil’s heart, that spot belongs to the Miami Dolphins. When asked why he chose the Dolphins Neil could only laugh, “I like a good quarterback”. As most of you will know, Miami was home to one of the best quarterbacks of all time, Dan Marino but in more recent times players such as Matt Moore and Chad Henne have held that position and on the whole, failed.

“Obviously we’re not doing very well at the moment but Marino stood out for me and has to be my favourite player of all time. I believe the quarterback position to be the hardest in the NFL, so respect to those guys that do it”.

Having admiration for the position, Reynolds can only admire the great work that newly crowned league MVP Aaron Rodgers has done in Green Bay, “I love to watch great quarterbacks play football and this guy is special. Green Bay have a lot of weapons and are brilliant to watch at the minute”.

Watching the game is all very well and good but to fully appreciate and understand what a player is thinking, you have to have experienced the hard hitting and ferocious nature of play which Neil has.

Starting out with the Medway Mustangs in 1991, Neil played as wide receiver before moving on a year later to the Invicta Eagles where he spent four years as a tight end and kicker, a position he would hold at every team he played for.

After leaving the Eagles at the end of the 1996 season, Reynolds moved to the Kent Exiles where he would finish his playing career before being offered a job at NFL Europe.

“Again I played tight end and kicker but I also had a go at defensive end which I was awful at, I couldn’t tackle at all but loved trying to get at the quarterback. I liked to be tackled for some strange reason so that is why I was mainly on offence. My favourite tight end was Mark Bavaro of the Giants in the 80’s, the picture of him running twenty yards with three men on his back is still etched into my memory”.

Only last year Neil was offered the chance to return to the Exiles for their 21st year Anniversary, an invitation he was pleased to accept, “I went back for the anniversary and was inducted to the All Star Team ring of honour as a tight end which was great”.

One thing Neil doesn’t miss about his playing days are the aches and pains from playing a hard game, “When I was younger I would ache for a day or two afterwards but as I got older I would ache until the following Friday, that wasn’t fun”.

“I do miss being part of a team though, that was probably the most enjoyable part of the whole experience, being in the locker room before the game, getting psyched up and then the elation or despair afterwards. To enjoy it you really have to love the game”.

So the question is how did the kicker for the Invicta Eagles come to write for NFL UK and co-present on Sky Sports?

“I always had a fascination with journalism at school and at age 14 I decided that’s what I want to do, so I did”

As most aspiring journalists will know, getting a gig for a company like the NFL requires a lot of hard work, “I did a week’s work experience at First Down magazine in 1991 which was brilliant and I continued to work with them by freelancing and covering the London Monarchs game’s in the 1991/92 season”.

“From there I worked for the Kent Messenger and literally started off as the tea boy, it wasn’t pretty but it was necessary, I’d cut out the stories I had written and stick them in a scrapbook and by 1996 I was fully qualified journalist, visiting flower shows to write about the goings on in the flower world”.

Neil’s tea making days were firmly behind him when he got his first big break, “I became a reporter for First Down magazine and I did that for three years, I loved it, writing about football was what I had always wanted to do. One day I received a call offering me the position of PR Manager at NFLEurope.com I was so pleased to be headhunted for the position”.

“I was there from 2000/02, I enjoyed it a lot. I also helped to launch NFL UK, so overall it was a fun job”.

Neil Reynolds with co-presenter Kevin Cadle

Currently Neil writes for NFL UK and is also a permanent fixture on the Sky Sports NFL shows. “I love the job that I am doing at the moment, maybe one day I’ll take Rich Eisen’s place on the NFL Network, I have the hair for it anyway”, he says jokingly.

“When doing this job you can’t please everybody and I’m aware of some criticism but at the end of the day I’m being paid to watch football and talk about it on television so I’m not too bothered”.

Taking a trip across the pond is another perk to the job, “I get to visit America for around two weeks of the year as part of my role, which isn’t as much as I’d like obviously, but it’s still more than most. I go for a week during training camp and then I go again for Superbowl week which is manic”.

International Series 2010

Since 2007 the NFL International Series has been played at Wembley Stadium giving hope to the idea of having a London based NFL franchise, something which Neil is backing, “I think it is definitely a possibility especially with Roger Goodell as commissioner of the league, he really wants it to happen”.

“Part of the business plan is to have a team play multiple games in the UK and see how they connect with the fans. It could take ten years or so to develop but it would be fantastic”.

With the recent news that the St Louis Rams will take on the New England Patriots next year and then return for another two years it seems the Rams are that team.

Continuing with the British game, Neil spoke favourably about the work being done in this country to raise the profile and standard of the game.

“The game over here is growing and growing and that is a great thing. It is probably helped by the Wembley game being such a big event which in turn has increased participation at both university and senior league level”.

He continued; “I’d love to see more of our players make it over to the States and receive scholarships at colleges but the reality of it is playing in BUAFL is the best it is ever going to get for many but that shouldn’t detract how valuable an experience it is. To the players padding up with friends means everything to them and they give it their all which I think is brilliant”.

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback 1979-92 Joe Montana

Being a journalist, Neil has interviewed plenty of famous faces but his most treasured moment came a couple of years ago when by chance he came face to face with NFL Royalty, Joe Montana.

“I was in California and had a spare day to myself; I knew Joe Montana lived close by so I thought I’d ring his agent asking for an interview. He said he’d ask Joe so I thought nothing of it thinking that would be that. Not long after I received permission to go to Joe’s house and speak with him. I nervously made my way over to his house and he gave me a guided tour while telling me stories. I spent an hour there and got the interview, it has to go down as one of the greatest and most surreal moments of my life, I had to pinch myself afterwards”.

When asked who he would like to interview most out of the current crop of football stars the answer was instant.

“Ray Lewis, it has to be Ray. He is so intense and fascinating; he can get a little carried away but what a character”.

If Neil could be in Roger Goodell’s hot seat for just one day he would change only two things, “Coaching time outs drive me crazy, if you’re losing by more than two touchdowns in the 4th quarter then what’s the point? It slows the game down and puts new fans off”.

Another rule change that would be implemented is the victory celebration;”Why is it okay for the Packers to jump into the crowd and perform the ‘Lambeau Leap’ but Chad Ochocinco gets pulled up for a silly dance? I agree pulling mobile phones out of goal posts is too far but let them enjoy the moment”.

Chad Ochocinco

All this talk of celebrations reminded Neil of a time when he scored a touchdown and went a little bit too far, “When I used to play, one of my coaches used to make us run up this steep hill in training as a punishment, so one time I scored a touchdown and the hill was positioned by the end zone so I ran to the top, put my hands on my hips like Superman or something and had the whole offensive line running up after me, it was hilarious”.

FightForTheYard would like to thank Neil Reynolds for offering his time and commitment to this interview.

Superbowl XLVI Preview

The Patriots coming off the perfect season were expected to brush aside baby Manning and his New York cronies in Miami four years ago but a miracle scramble from Eli and then a catch from the gods themselves helped set up the game winning drive with only 00:00:35 left on the clock.

Fast forward to the present day and once again we have the New England Patriots hosting the New York Giants in Superbowl XLVI in Indianapolis. This time, nobody really knows who will win so Fight For The Yard will try to dissect the facts and stats giving you a better idea of who will be victorious.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots Quarterback

Patriots Offence

If you was to sum up the Pats offence in one word it would be Brady. The future Hall of Fame quarterback has had a special season even for his standards. Surpassing Dan Marino’s regular season passing record (albeit not the only one this year) would have been a boyhood dream but under the guidance of head coach Bill Belichick, it seems all of Tom’s fantasies have become reality.

Career high totals of 611 passing attempts and 401 completions are impressive but could he have done so well without the man of the moment Rob Gronkowski?

Gronkowski along with his position partner Aaron Hernandez, have revitalised the Tight End position and become one of the most feared double acts in professional football. The tight end has previously been used as an extra blocker for the run game and occasionally thrown to for short gains but in more recent times and with athletes such as these two beasts, they have become the primary attacking option for New England and have caused defensive coordinators massive headaches.

Gronkowski finished the regular season with an NFL record 17 touchdowns for a tight end with Hernandez adding another seven. Unfortunately for Patriot fans, reaching the showpiece event has not come without a heavy price to their main man. Big Rob suffered a nasty looking ankle injury in the win over the Ravens and is officially listed as questionable. Should New England come out on top, you would think that Gronkowski would need to play a key role.

Quietly going about his business and having a very good season is wide receiver Wes Welker. He is another player who has had a career season, leading the NFL with 1,569 yards and 9 touchdowns although his production slowed down towards the back end of the campaign.

Giants Defence

New York Giants

Jason Pierre-Paul has become one of the most feared pass rushers in the National Football League in only his second season. His production has been remarkable with 16.5 sacks and 86 tackles in a ferocious New York defence.

Fellow lineman Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck have contributed with nine and five sacks respectively. If the Giants are to disrupt the Brady passing machine then these three will play a crucial role.

One of the more touching stories to grace this year’s finale is the life so far of linebacker Mark Herzlich. Diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in 2009, he was signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent last summer. Now fully recovered and a fully fledged NFL professional, he enters his first Superbowl having played eleven games, making 12 tackles.

Eli Manning, New York Giants Quarterback

Giants Offence

For years New York head coach Tom Coughlin has been a run first man but for one reason or another, the passing game has become his new bread and butter. One reason for this could be the emergence of wide receiver Victor Cruz who before the season began was used sparingly but has since become the surprise star man.

Posting figures of nine touchdowns and 1,536 receiving yards Cruz has become the go to man for Manning. Hakeem Nicks has been the only other noticeable contribution in the receiving ranks with seven touchdowns and 1,192 yards.

Eli Manning has a Superbowl to his name yet people are still hesitant to categorise him as an elite quarterback. Constantly in the shadow of elder brother Peyton of the Indianapolis Colts, he has had an uphill battle to prove himself and add to that the media spotlight of playing in New York, you start to feel sorry for the guy but this season has been a turning point.

Throwing for 4,933 and 29 touchdowns, Eli propelled the G-men into pole position in the NFC East but a min crisis when they allowed the Dallas Cowboys to have a say in the title race but consecutive wins orchestrated by Eli over the Cowboys saw them dominate the end of the regular season and power through the post season.

The running game suffered early on but in recent weeks it has become more prevalent with Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs scoring 16 touchdowns between them in a hard hitting running game.

New England Patriots

Patriots Defence

With the 31st ranked defence in the NFL, it is miraculous that the Pats were in the playoffs never mind the Superbowl … well that’s what you would have said a year ago but with the 15-1 Packers being ranked 32 and dead last it, appears to be a recipe for success and the old saying that ‘Offence wins games and Defence wins Championships’ seems to be, well, old.

Giving up 21.4 points per game may have been semi acceptable in the regular season but if they do the same in the big game, they’ll be no victory parade in Foxborough come Monday afternoon.

Vince Wilfork has been the stand-out performer on the line this year weighing in with a career high 3.5 sacks and a modest 29 tackles. A pass rush will be crucial to disrupting the flow of Manning and Wilfork will be the one the Patriots will be looking to to supply that pressure.

Fans Opinions

• Michael Gill, 21, Staffordshire Stallions OG, believes moving Brady from the pocket will be key to a Giants victory, “I reckon it will be 22-17 to the Giants. Eli has become a clutch quarterback and when it matters he delivers. The pass rush is key because if they give Brady too much time then he’ll pick them off”.

• During a recent interview Fight For The Yard conducted with Sky Sports analyst Neil Reynolds, he predicted a New England victory, “I am quite proud of myself after backing the Patriots in pre-season although I am shocked that neither the Packers or Saints will be playing against them. Patriots for me”.

• Terrance Martin, 21, Staffordshire Stallions OLB, can only see one winner, “Giants. Eli is determined to win in Peyton’s house. I cannot wait!”.

Half time show

Madonna has been selected to perform in the world famous halftime show. She joins acts such as U2, The Who, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Tom Jones in featuring in the prestigious twelve minute slot. Other acts LMFAO, Cee-Lo Green and Nicki Minaj will also be performing at some stage.

Madonna

While most of the world will be admiring the pyrotechnics on display, former Colts head coach and NBC analyst will watching a three minute video about adoption and has encouraged everyone to download it. I won’t be but feel free to at http://www.adoptionjourney.com/share/dungyhalftime/

Prediction

The New York Giants go into the game as the ‘hot’ team beating the likes of the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers on their journey to the big game while the Patriots have only had one real test coming against Baltimore Ravens after breezing past the much hyped Denver Broncos.

Brady’s main offensive weapon has been wearing a medical boot all week and his practice limited so for the Pats to realistically trouble the Giants defence they will have to try and get some sort of running game established to halt the impressive New York pass rush. Having said this, if one man can win it for New England then Brady is that man.

Being a Peyton Manning fan myself, I won’t begrudge his little Eli from winning this one and getting one over his old nemesis Tom Brady.

Giants 24 – 17 Patriots