Game report: Watford Cheetahs v Milton Keynes Pathfinders

From Watford Cheetahs Website

BLETCHLEY, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, SUNDAY 21st APRIL 2013 – The Watford Cheetahs (1-0) opened their 2012 Season at arch-rivals the Milton Keynes Pathfinders (0-1) on Sunday, taking home the spoils with a 26-22 victory.

The Pathfinders won the toss and elected to defer, and so the Cheetahs started the game with great promise as Wide receiver TJ Ajayi took the opening kick-off all the way back to the Pathfinders 13 yard line. However, they were unable to take advantage of the short field and the drive resulted in a 30 yard Field Goal from Kicker and Safety Danny Morton being blocked. The Pathfinders took over and put together a strong drive to get in Field Goal range, which Kicker, Running Back and Safety Ben Williams duly converted (3-0).

Another good return from Ajayi, and two penalties on the MK defence allowed the Cheetahs to move into the red zone, and they opened their account for the season when Quarterback Martin Brown hooked up with 2nd Year Tight end Julian Lorelli on a short pass, which was run in 10 yards for the opening touchdown, breaking 3 tackles on the way. The extra point was missed and MK ended the 1st quarter in possession (6-3).

c/o Luke Plastow Photography

Irish Football Round-Up and Scoring Charts

Another great weekend of football over in Ireland as the season really picks up the pace. The Cork Admirals vs UCD game was called off but there was still one game in each of the Shamrock Bowl North, Shamrock Bowl South and IAFL-1 to review. One team took firm control of its division whilst another continued its dominating ways.

Photo  by Ash O'Flanagan - (http://www.ashoflanagan.tumblr.com)

Tarannau vs. Bangor - West Coast Cup

The University American Football team, Tarannau, started their season with a winning record of 2-1 before Christmas break and with that brought home the coveted Welsh Bowl Trophy, their first silverware in quite a few years. However, disappointingly the team finished the season with a 3-4 record and 1 tied game, and thus missing the playoffs. This past Sunday, Tarannau played their annual Varsity fixture against the Bangor Muddogs in hopes of winning the newly established West Coast Cup (attached).

The weather was looking promising throughout the week with temperatures warming up and the sun finally making an appearance in Aberystwyth, however on Sunday morning, it was overcast and rainy, but this was not going to stop the Aber boys from taking home their second silverware of the year. Tarannau arrived early to warm-up and prepare for the big game ahead, Bangor were delayed upon arrival and so kickoff was delayed slightly.

With the Aber boys all warmed up and ready to go, the dual-GB attack by Runningbacks Curtis Williston and Joshua Culling were moving the ball successfully down field and Receiver Joshua Bryant scored on a trick play down near the goal line.

Three head coaches resign in the TVC

There have been a glut of resignations in the TVC, as three head coaches have stepped down in the last week.

First Luke Plastow stepped down as head coach of the marmite like BNU Buccaneers and released a statement through DC that can be found here. He hasn't been replaced yet and a search for a new head coach is underway.

Coach Plastow was the first TVC head coach to resign

Next to go was James Ormrod of the Brighton Tsunami, who had to step away from his position because of a move to Essex and will take a break from football. He is succeeded by Chris Denny.

Coach Ormrod (centre in black top) will be moving to Essex

The third and final resignation came last night after the National Challenge trophy final, as Southampton Stags head coach Gareth Thomas stepped down from his position. Gareth has been a part of the Stags organisation for 10 years and had helped revive the program after the single institution split.

Coach Thomas (centre with cap) will not be leading the Stags next year

Final Scores

BAFANL Fixtures Sunday 21/04/2013

London Warriors 52 - 12 Bristol Aztec

Doncaster Mustangs 46-9 Nottingham Caesars

Cambridge Cats 49-0 Ipswich Cardinals (unconfirmed FT)

Gateshead Senators 13-7 Clyde Valley Blackhawks

Leicester 34-26 Crewe Railroaders

Shropshire Revolution 26-12 Staffordshire Surge

Manchester Titans 54-0 Lincolnshire Bombers

Watford Cheetahs 26-22 MK Pathfinders

Early Kick Off

Bedfordshire Blue Raiders 52-0 Maidstone Pumas

Varsity Games:

Gloucester Gladiators 36-0 Worcester Royals

Tarranau Aberystwyth 30-6 Bangor Mud Dogs

Saturday Games

BUCS National Championship game

Birmingham Lions 17-13 Hertfordshire Hurricanes

NTU Renegades 49-28 Southampton Stags

BAFANL Fixture Saturday 20/04/2013

Bristol Apache 27-13 Bournmouth Bobcats