Portsmouth Destroyers v Southampton Stags

The sun was shining as the 8-0 Southampton stags visited Langstone for a huge rivalry game and it soon became apparent that both teams were going to put up an incredible fight. Portsmouth lost nine players to injuries, an accurate reflection of their valiant effort in the game.

QB Ben Clift runs and jumps for some yards (Photo- Dan Chesterton)

The stags weren’t alone in their visit; they bought along two squads of cheerleaders to rival the Portsmouth Phoenix who were fresh from their championship win the day before, but on this occasion Southampton’s side-line were louder with their cheers echoing throughout Langstone campus and keeping their boys going.

The game started with no hesitation from Southampton and soon they were near Portsmouth’s end zone, but on the fourth down they opted for a field goal which was unsuccessful. However, they soon got the ball back and broke through Portsmouth’s defence to score the first touchdown of the game with no conversion.

Portsmouth’s Brook Ince scored another of his powerful running touchdowns in the second quarter but Southampton had the same idea and soon they had another touchdown on the board leaving the half-time score 12-6 to Southampton.

TD scorer #47 Brook Ince (photo- Dan Chesterton)

Southampton’s defence were denying Portsmouth the yards they needed to make big plays, making sure the wide-receivers couldn’t get their hands on the ball and the running backs couldn’t advance. Portsmouth’s defence had stepped up since last week’s game against Reading but were no match for Southampton’s offence and they, once more, advanced down field and put another 7 points on the board after successfully converting their touchdown. Quarterback Ben Clift was making daring runs with the ball throughout the game, some of which paid off and gained Portsmouth yards but other times Southampton’s defence were quick to figure out who had the ball.

Jesse Joseph reaches high for the ball (photo- Dan Chesterton)

Portsmouth were gaining yards in the fourth quarter but after the two-minute warning, it became apparent that they weren’t going to get the points they needed to win and the final score was 19-6 to Southampton.

The playoffs are dependent on three matches on the 4^th March (Portsmouth v Surrey, Reading v  BNU and OBU v Imperial). Portsmouth have the home-field advantage against bottom of the league Surrey Stingers.

FINAL SCORE DESTROYERS 6-19 STAGS

Portsmouth Destroyers (photo- Me)

Destroyers @ Reading Knights

FINAL SCORE: DESTROYERS 4-12 KNIGHTS


I was rather spectacularly taken out on the sideline during this game and got me a lovely concussion meaning I can't actually remember much of the game so, unfortunately, there will be no write-up for this week. I also broke my lens in said accident so I didn't take many pictures... it wasn't a good game for me

But- next week (26th feb) the Destroyers host the Southampton Stags. It is a HUGE game with a HUGE rivalry, the write-up will be online that evening.

Peace,
Ree

Destroyers @ Solent Redhawks

On the day of the Superbowl, it wasn’t just the NFL teams who were out to prove themselves in the world of American Football, BUAFL teams from around the country were supposed to be going head-to-head. Unfortunately, bad weather meant it wasn’t just public transport that was bought to a standstill; around 19 games were cancelled because of frozen pitches and deep snow. Luckily, Southampton avoided the snow which meant the game against the 2 for 3 Solent Redhawks had the go-ahead. The game was a big opportunity for the Redhawks to prove themselves against the current National Champions and the Destroyers wanted to continue their undefeated streak through 2012.

Portsmouth kick-off against Solent

Portsmouth started the game with a risky kick-off rushing straight from a huddle to shock the opposing team. The risk paid off and Portsmouth eventually managed to get the ball down to the 10yd line with plays to Tomi Olusanya and Folahanmi Dare from quarterback Simon Blow but they could not convert on 4^th & goal, meaning Southampton had the ball once more. A lot of flags were thrown during first quarter, something that became a norm throughout the game and after a couple of games being refereed by stand-ins before Christmas, it would have been a welcomed change but a few bad calls from the officials proved otherwise.

Portsmouth's O-line defend QB Simon Blow from Solent

The second quarter started with a 20yd touchdown pass from Southampton and a 1 point conversion, giving themselves 6 points on the board, which was to be the only score in the first half.

Portsmouth managed to get points on the board in the third quarter with a running touchdown from Brook Ince, the 2 point conversion failed but Portsmouth’s confidence was boosted. Southampton got another touchdown after a 4yd pass in the fourth quarter but their 1 point conversion failed after an impressive block from Portsmouth.  

Tomi Olusanya tries to fight off Solent's Defence

Portsmouth often gained vital yards throughout the game and if they had a field goal team, they may have gotten the points they needed to beat the Redhawks, however they are known as being one of the few teams who do not kick. After Portsmouth’s first loss in 15 games, it was a shock for both teams and Portsmouth’s solemn mood and Solent’s celebrations reflected this. In order to claim the championship once more, Portsmouth have to win their next three games starting with the bottom of the league Surrey Stingers at home on the 12^th Feb.

Brook Ince scores a TD

FINAL SCORE: DESTROYERS 6-13 REDHAWKS