GB Lions: The next Step

From BAFA.org

Following the recent successful junior and senior GB open trials, players who are through to the next stage have now been contacted.

Over 500 players from across the UK attended open trials for both age groups in Doncaster, Bristol and Hertfordshire – a huge pool of talent for the GB coaching team to select from.

The next step in the journey for the new national programme will be invitational one day camps, held at Loughborough on March 17, May 19 and August 18. The events will host both junior and senior players.

As well as the open trials, players have been selected for invites on the basis of film, discussions with coaches and performance in the last year’s games.

BUAFL Match Report: Edinburgh Napier Knights @ Newcastle Raiders

A bruised Edinburgh Napier Knights travelled to the division leading Newcastle Raiders on Sunday with the thoughts of an upset at the front of their minds. However the Knights were the masters of their own downfall with 5 first half turnovers that saw the Raiders flex their muscles and rack up 36 points.

An interception in the first quarter from Napier QB Euan Rennie led to points for the Raiders, as they passed the ball in from 12 yards out to take an early lead they would never look back from. The traditional 2 point conversion was added to give Newcastle and 8 point lead.

A 6 Touchdown 2^nd quarter saw some great offensive play from both teams. Newcastle blew into the lead with a couple of touchdown runs, one almost half the length of the field. The Knights replied with a 38 yard pass from Euan Rennie to Neale Lees to get their first points on the board. 

BUAFL Match Report: Northumbria Mustangs @ Edinburgh Predators

Due to a postponement in the first week after the holiday period, Northumbria headed north on Sunday to match up against the Edinburgh Predators for their first action of the new year.

The Predators entered the game as the favourites, after the previous week’s victory over cross town rivals, the Napier Knights.

The Predators received the ball to start the game. Opting to spread the Mustangs’ Defense out, Edinburgh came out in three and four wide sets, looking to put the pressure on the secondary. Northumbria’s Defense has played well through the first four games and this game was no exception. An interception by rookie Linebacker Danny Bomken halted the first Predators possession abruptly, handing the ball over to QB Leonard Birnie and the Offense.

A quick 25 yard TD run by WR Dan Leather, followed by a two point conversion by RB Tega Diegbe put the Mustangs up 8-0 early.

Week Nine Power Rankings: Rankings 1-15

Part two sees a lot of teams affected by the weather, a new team in our rankings due to the loss of a former top 15 team and a rookie team continuing to rise!

1. Hertfordshire Hurricanes (5-0)

Another week, another cancelled game for the Hertfordshire Hurricanes as their game against Kent was postponed due to the poor weather. Other than the fact they have yet to play in 2012, there’s nothing extra to add about the Canes without repeating what I’ve said other the last few weeks. Hopefully this weekend’s game against Brighton can go ahead.

2. Birmingham Lions (5-0)

As we revealed on our Facebook page (albeit before the teams did), the Lions game against the Braves was eventually called off. Just like the team above them, Birmingham hasn’t played a game in 2012 meaning there isn’t much more to add. In case you didn’t know, this Saturday see’s the #2 team take on the #3 team in our power rankings. BIG GAME!

BUAFL Week Nine Power Rankings: Rankings 16-25

 *Sigh* I don’t know about you guys, but all of us at Double Coverage are fed up of the damn snow! For the second week straight a lot of the weekend’s games fell victim to the weather, but we still had enough games go ahead to cause some moves on our power rankings!

Anyway, onwards to the rankings!