Women's 5v5 Tournament Preview

Tomorrow American football history will be made as the first ever women’s tackle league tournament takes place at Hertfordshire University.

Battling it out for the title of the first ever women’s national champions are the Hertfordshire Tornadoes, the Southampton Stags and the Portsmouth Destroyers. Each team will play each other in a 40 minute game played on a 50yard pitch (half the size for men’s league).

The Hertfordshire Tornadoes are the sister team to the Hertfordshire Hurricanes who were crowned national champions in March after their win against Birmingham.

Christine Miles who plays centre and corner for Hertfordshire said “we are all aware of the high standards that are expected of us, but I think this has just given us more drive to work harder because none of us want to tarnish Hertfordshire’s reputation”

As with many of the other women in the league, this is Miles’ first time playing American football when asked about how she is feeling about the tournament and what it would mean to win she says “we have all worked so hard, trained so hard and put so much effort in and it’s all coming down to this Saturday. Winning would be a fantastic reward and recognition of our hard work.”

Lauren Hackney from Southampton was amongst some of the original girls who helped develop the idea of a women’s team.  After following the Southampton Stags men’s team, Lauren and team-mate Laura Hill jumped at the chance to start a team amongst the new league.

Lauren, who plays as running back said that starting a team from scratch was “difficult, there were a lot of obstacles but we had great support from both the Stags players and their coaches. Learning a new sport was a great challenge and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. We have a few rugby players so I think it was interesting for them to learn the differences between the two sports. I relished the opportunity to take part in such an interesting sport.”

On what winning would mean to her and the stags, Lauren said “Getting this far has been an achievement of its own and I am so proud of each and every person involved. But winning would mean so much as it would be a privilege to win the first women’s football competition and that our hard work has paid off. It would also hopefully ensure the future of our club and help raise awareness for the future of the sport.”

Jo Stacey from Portsmouth is also new to the sport. After watching the Super Bowl for many years she gained an interest and when she found out about the new league, she was keen to get involved. “Learning a new sport from scratch is tough but it’s a good sport and hopefully we’ve done well enough to make our coaches proud at the tournament. We’ve had amazing support from our coaches and the university to help us get to where we are today.”

Stacey continues “If we win, it would be incredible as it would really show how much work we have put into becoming the team we are, but I am proud of the team either way. I can’t wait to play Southampton and Hertfordshire and hopefully next year there will be more teams involved in the league and it will continue to grow.

The first game kicks off at 12.30 at the De Havilland Campus with Hertfordshire v Portsmouth. For updates follow @ReeDawes on Twitter and stay tuned on this blog for post-match reports/photos and interviews.

Injuries end Destroyers' trophy dreams

After finishing third in the Thames Valley Conference tables, Portsmouth had a chance at claiming the Challenge Trophy but they first had to beat the Bath Killer Bees at home, something which was going to be difficult after losing 22 players because of injuries. However, what might have been seen as an easy game last year, the Bees showed no sign of faltering as they, too, wanted the trophy.

Portsmouth's defence halt Bath (Photo- Dan Chesterton)

The game started with flags being thrown against both teams but Bath were soon gaining yards and their running game was strong, pushing them into the end-zone and a successful kick meant the Killer Bees were leading 7-0. Portsmouth’s special teams were struggling against Bath, they had lost one of their key kick-returners but their other, Fola Dare, made a huge run with the ball to gain Portsmouth the yards that they needed to shake Bath’s nerves. 

Fola makes a run to gain some yards (Photo-Dan Chesterton)

The Destroyers shaped up their running game and between quarterback Ben Clift and running backs Brook Ince and Mani Gabiddon however, a flag on the field meant Bath had the ball back in their possession but not for long as Portsmouth forced a fumble which they were quick to recover.

QB Ben Clift has been making daring runs these past few games (Photo- Dan Chesterton)

Portsmouth were using their running game once more in the second quarter but more flags meant Portsmouth were being pushed back into their own territory when the ball slipped out of their arms for a Bath recovery meaning Portsmouth’s defence were back on the field. The Killer Bees once more got the better of Portsmouth and managed to fight their way into the end-zone and a successful kick left the half-time score at 14-0 to Bath. 

An interception by Bath resulted in another TD (photo- Dan Chesterton)

The third quarter didn’t start any better for Portsmouth after a bad punt made its way into Bath’s possession and they were quick to take advantage and another 6 points were on the board against Portsmouth. Quarterback Ben Clift was injured during a play and stepped off for Simon Blow to take over but a bad throw led the ball straight into the arms of Bath who ran for another touchdown and extra point. In the fourth quarter Portsmouth managed to throw the ball into the safe hands of James Haggarty for their only score of the game, but the spirits were lifted knowing they weren’t going to be shut-out. 

James Haggarty out-runs bath for Portsmouth's only TD (Photo-Dan Chesterton)

An error by the officials meant Bath went for a field goal on their fifth down but Portsmouth managed to block which was then picked up and ran by Matt ‘Ron’ Doherty. As it became apparent that Portsmouth weren’t going to win, they bought on third-string quarterback Sam Forster who made completions that were becoming a rarity in Portsmouth’s throwing game but nothing came of them and the game ended 27-6 to Bath, Portsmouth’s biggest loss in over 18 games. 

FINAL SCORE: KILLER BEES 27-6 DESTROYERS

Portsmouth were doing well before Christmas (undefeated for 15 games) and before the number of injuries increased rapidly, there is no doubt next year Head Coach, Russ Hewitt, will be making sure the boys are fit and healthy and not so prone to injuries for the next season so they can try and add another BUAFL trophy to their cabinet.

The Destroyers now bid farewell to 10 graduates whose shoes (or boots) will be hard to fill but recruitment next year should help fill the void. 

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