The Destroyers are in the Challenge Trophy playoffs

This comes after Reading conceded to BNU at half-time after leaving the field 48-0 (apparently due to bad conditions and looking out for the players' safety)

But after losing a lot of players due to injury in the game against Southampton, will Portsmouth be able to win?

We will find out soon...

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

Destroyers v OBU Panthers at home

In their last match before Christmas, the Portsmouth Destroyers faced the 4-0 Oxford Brook’s Panthers. Once again, there was a referee shortage, meaning coaches from both teams had to step up, once more. There was an eerie atmosphere at Lanstone; the boys were eager to prove that they could improve their game and no more ‘hell Tuesdays’ (brutal training sessions) were needed. As this was a home game, the Destroyers were supported by Portsmouth’s cheerleading squad, who were making sure the boy’s egos remained intact.

The Destroyers faced the 4-0 Panthers

The first quarter started well for the Destroyers after a 28yd pass from quarterback Ben Clift was caught by wide receiver Taofeeq Adeyemi for his first touchdown as a Destroyer. A further 2 points were added by running back Tomi Olusanya, leaving the 1^st quarter score at 8-0 to the Destroyers. However, the OBU Panthers soon retaliated during the second quarter with a 33yd field goal, giving them 3 points on the board, which was to be the only score during the second quarter.

After a quick word from the coaches and a swift performance from the cheerleaders, the teams were back on the field for the third quarter, both determined to improve on their first half performance. Once more the Destroyer’s offensive-line were failing at letting their offense get vital yards. A few fumbles and failed interceptions later, running back Brook Ince made a 5yd touchdown run for a further 6 points for Portsmouth. The 2 point conversion failed, but Portsmouth were still leading by 11 points.

Brook Ince scoring a TD

The fourth quarter also included a few failed interceptions from Portsmouth, letting the ball literally slip through their fingers. But the wait soon paid off and Brook Ince made another run, this time for 7yds, for his second touchdown of the game. Once more, the 2 point conversion failed, but with the clock still running, it didn’t look like the Panthers could bring it back. Laurence Pestell won not 1 but 2 chicken dinners for his outstanding performance on the field and Anthony ‘Afo’ Black also performed exceptionally making at least 5 vital tackles.

The Destroyers now enter their long Christmas break at 4-0 before their training starts again in January and they face the Team Solent Redhawks away on the 5^th February (the same day as the NFL Superbowl!)

Final score- Destroyers 20- 3 OBU Panthers

The Destroyers' Rookies of 2011

As you should know by now, the Portsmouth Destroyers are reigning BUAFL Champions! However, this obviously put huge pressure on the Rookies signing up this year. 36, in total, made it on to the team, meaning they outnumber the experienced players. After catching up with Head Coach Russ Hewitt, I found out who his 'ones to watch' were and asked these questions (as well as a bonus question each!):
1- Why did you join the Destroyers?
2- Did you know they were champions before you joined?
3- What has been your favourite game so far?

So, in numerical order...
Running Back #1 Folahanmi Dare: 

Fola playing @ BNU

1.  I joined the Destroyers because I'm an American Football player by nature [Fola is from New York]. I've played for well over a decade and I love the sport, so coming to a university that had a team was not even a question for me
2. I knew they were champions after following their season on the BUAFL website
3. My favourite game so far has to be against the BNU Buccaneers. I scored my first two touchdowns and I feel I really came out of my shell and showed the team my potential and game-day persona, which seemed to surprise a few people

What's your favourite thing about being a destroyer? My favourite thing about being a Destroyer is the confidence I have in my team-mates and coaching staff to alsways work hard and in turn benefit outselves as a unit. WHO DEM BOYS?! 

Dami playing the Panthers (far left)

Tight End #18 Damilola Oyinlola: 

1. I joined because I like the sport, a friend encouraged me to join... and I get to hit people [Ree- o_0]
2. Yeah, I did know they were champions
3. Favourite game was against Oxford Brook's Panthers because we really stepped up and I got to start.

Do you believe the Destroyers can claim the title again this year? Yeah, we can. The team wants to, we'll work hard and we'll make it happen!

Edd playing Brunel @ home

Outside Linebacker #52 Edd Hunt 

1. I've followed American Football for a number of years, but never had the chance to play it, so when I saw Portsmouth had a team, I had to get involved.
2. I didn't know they were champions before I came to uni, but I found out at Fresher's Fayre
3. My favourite game has to be against the Brunel Burners, to finally put the kit on and start the first game of the season was amazing!

American Football doesn't have the best reception in this country, what would you say to the people who put it down? I believe that people are getting the wrong idea of the sport completely. UK spectators tend to give the game 'stick' due to the long games and constant stop/starting of a match. But what most spectators don't reaslie is that the only game they tend to see is the Superbowl, which is much longer that a regular game and that the stop/starting of the game allows players to be more explosive! When you consider the size of the players compared to other sports, it's ridiculous that they can play at such a speed!

Defensive Lineman #77 Jack Valler

Jack running on field @Imperial

1. I used to play Semi-pro rugby and I've always thought American Football would be a good game to play, and when I heard that they Destroyers were national champions and the rugby team weren't so good, I thought I'd give it a go.
2. I knew they were champions, but only because I asked around people who play in the summer teams
3. The game against Imperial Immortals has to be my favourite. I got around 10 tackles, 1 sack, a safety and a couple of forced fumbles, it wasn't the team's best game but I thought I performed well.

What American Football team do you support and who's your favourite player?

Green Bay Packers [Ree- yeah boi!]  or Baltimore Ravens. Clay Matthews [GB Packers' #52 linebacker]

Taofeeq @Imperials

Wide Receiver #80 Taofeeq Adeyemi: 

1. I joined because I wanted to try out a new sport and American Football seemed like the most fun
2. I didn't know the Destroyers were champions until after I joined!
3. My favourite game so far has been against the Imperial Immortals because it was the first game that I got quite a lot of game time on.

Were you put off at all after hearing that the Destroyers were champions? Did you feel added pressure? When I found out that they were champions, my first thought was obviously this team is very good. So at first I just wanted to try and do as best as I could. As it got closer to the beginning of the season, I wanted to do as best as I could in order for the coaches to see my potential and get myself a starting position.

Wide Receiver #82 Lee Watson

Lee playing Brunel @ home

1. The main reason I joined is because I love the sport, I've been following it all my life and played a little before univeristy. Also, it was clear during the taster session and training camp that we've got good coaches that are always going to push us to be better, and I enjoy a challenge. The sport is different to any other sport out there, you won't find a more team-oriented sport, which makes for a good atmosphere both on and off the pitch. It's fun and a laugh being part of the Destroyers. I also want to win a national championship as my brother won 2 whilst at uni... so I'm looking to get 3! [No pressure boys!]
2. I did know the Destroyers were champions before joining
3. My favourite game so far has been the game against the Brunel Burners as it was my first game as a Destroyer and it was a home game, so I had friends and family watching.

How are you finding balancing both university and football? I find it fairly easy to be honest. Being a fresher, there's not too much work and most of my course is test based so I don't have much coursework, which saves a lot of time.


The boys still have work to do as a whole, and they're not done proving themselves yet! Let's hope the hard work pays off and these boys help give the Destroyers a national championship title once more!

Destroyers @ Immortals

Gale force winds, transport troubles and a referee shortage were all threatening the game. But, luckily the Destroyers finally made it to London, coaches from both teams volunteered their services to referee and the wind… well, you can’t have it all.

#9 Tomi Olusanya scoring a 60yd TD

Portsmouth started the first quarter with an amazing 60 yard run from Tomi Olusanya giving them 6 points on the board. The 2pt conversion failed. The Immortals quickly retaliated with their own touchdown and 1pt conversion, leaving the first quarter’s score 6-7 to Imperial.

The second quarter started with Portsmouth struggling, yet again, to gain yards, but this wasn’t going to bring them down and soon #77 Jack Valler forced the Immortals’ Quarterback into their end zone for a 2pt safety. Then, once again, Tomi had his hands on the ball and made another incredible run, this time for 70 yards and another touchdown with a 2pt conversion. Portsmouth’s mood must have been lifted by this as they were now getting the precious yards they needed. Swiftly after, #1 Folahanmi Dare fought his way into the end zone to add another touchdown to Portsmouth’s score and Anthony ‘Afo’ Black successfully converted for a further 2 points. Portsmouth were also denying Imperial vital yards, mainly through Jack Valler’s impressive tackles and even sacking a few of their players, leaving the score at half-time 24-7 to the Destroyers.

The second half began with ‘Afo’ gaining Portsmouth crucial yards but Portsmouth’s O-line were failing at blocking their men. Some harsh words from Head Coach should shape them up for the next game. Portsmouth’s defence were still denying Imperial yardage and even giving them negative yards towards the end of the second half. 

Some confusion about the running clock (in place due to the referee shortage) meant the game finished early and Portsmouth could celebrate their win and be home in time for dinner. Jack Valler won the team’s ‘chicken dinner’ award due to his fantastic performance during the game, denying Imperial the plays and points they needed.

Head Coach, Russ Hewitt, said of the game ‘We’re proud to be undefeated and beat the 3-0 Immortals.

The Destroyers are now 3-0 and face the Oxford Brooke’s Panthers at home on 4^th December.

FULL TIME SCORE: DESTROYERS 26-7 IMMORTALS

Chicken Dinner Winner- #77 Jack Valler