Bury Saints bring 2015 to a close

The Bury Saints ended their incredible 2015 season with a 31-0 victory over the Rotterdam 010 Trojans in the second annual Movember Bowl and an Awards Evening to recognize and their best players.

 

With both teams missing established players the Saints jumped out to a 6-0 lead when QB Fred Boyle found RB Dishawn Harvey with a 17 yard pass at the end of the 1st Quarter.

An interception by DB Ryan Barry set up Bury’s second TD as RB Cory Jenkings exploded for 56yds to score on his first ever carry for the Green and Gold. The extra points attempt failed but the Saints had a 12-0.

Rotterdam responded by moving the ball 78yds to the Saints 1yd line in just seven plays. But consecutive tackles by DT Spencer Renfro forced the Trojans back to the 5yd line. An incomplete pass was followed by a crucial tackle on the 4th Down by DB Michael Galindo to keep Rotterdam out of the end zone.

On the next play QB Boyle went deep to RB Harvey again for a team record 81yd score. Once again the extra point attempt failed to keep the score at 18-0. The half ended with DB Donterio McIntosh intercepting another Trojans pass and returning it to the away sides 2yd line as time expired.

The Saints extended their lead on the third play of the second half as two runs by RB Jake Swisher were followed by a 69yd scoring hook up between QB Boyle and WR Joe Hill. Chris Smith kicked the extra point to give Bury a 25-0 lead.

Both sides put together some long drives but failed to score until RB Jenkins broke for his second TD of the game to from 38yds out midway through the 4th Quarter. The extra point was missed but the Saints defence was able to hold off the Trojans to secure the 31-0 win.

QB Fred Boyle led the team with 219 passing yards and three TD passes. RB Harvey went for 98yds and two TD’s from his 3 receptions. RB Cory Jenkins, playing in his first ever game with the Saints, broke for 94yds and two TD’s from his three carries. LB’s Zach Hill and Rob Patterson made six tackles each while DB Ryan Barry made three tackles, broke up two passes and made a crucial interception.

Saints Head Coach, Chris Wallis, said “Both Teams were missing players today and we know how tough it is to travel that kind of distance and play a game on the same day. But all players got plenty of playing time and we were able to get our new players into action for the first time.It was nice to finish the season with a win and stay unbeaten in 2015 but it was just as nice to meet up with our brothers from Rotterdam. They are a fantastic organisation and a great bunch of lads.”

Next up for the Saints was an Awards evening and the opportunity to celebrate their fantastic year.

Veteran ‘Shover’ Will Cullum opened the evening by winning the Lineman of the Year Award. He was followed by Safety Troy Cockerill who scooped the Special Teams and Defensive Rookie of the Year trophies.

All-purpose star, Kevin Greer, won Rookie of the Year and QB Fred Boyle was voted as the best player on Offence. The Most Improved Player of the Year, selected by the Coaches, went to RB Chris May.

Wallis explained, “It’s always difficult to pick out individuals when you’ve had a year like we’ve had. So many people have contributed to this season. But it was great to see these guys chosen by their team mates.It amazes me that Chris May hadn’t played football until he joined the Saints last season. He worked so hard during the off season and became a crucial part of our running attack.”

The final awards went to team captain, LB Jesse Carlos, who was voted Defensive Player of the Year and selected by the Coaches as their Most Valuable Player for the season. Carlos, who will be returning home with his family in January, was one of the original Saints when the team first started.

Wallis Continued, “To be honest, it was pretty sad. Jesse has been with us right from the very first practices before we even had helmets and pads. He is a true leader and fantastic player. He will be greatly missed. But he will always be a big part of this team and we wish him and his wonderful family all the very best in their next adventure.”

The Saints are taking a well-earned rest until the beginning of January when preparations for the 2016 season will begin at full speed.

Anybody looking for further information should contact the team via their Facebook page or web site at www.burysaints.com

What's its like, and how easy is it to recruit new players in the Youth game?

Article by Nia Wright

At this time of year UK teams are recruiting players for their next season, the success of recruitment is essential for the success of the team.

Recruiting for Youth and Junior teams has its own challenges when it comes to reaching and retaining new players, given the relative obscurity of the sport as well as the costs and risks of playing a contact sport under the age of 18.

 

Lee Griffiths, Head Coach of the Birmingham Bulls Youth team has an excellent coaching philosophy of inclusion and uses highly innovative methods of recruitment alongside the conventional means.

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Will Sargeant has completed his first full season as the Head Coach of the Chester Romans Academy in 2015 and has more than doubled the size of the Youth team through the use of leaflets, social media and co-operation with local school PE departments.

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These HCs answered some questions regarding their recruitment strategies:

1) Where do you recruit players from?

LG:  The club is active on FB and Twitter, plus we have our own website, so push recruitment through these channels.  We have a Senior and Youth team, and the recruitment days are for both age groups. 

Last year we had a number of Youth and Senior players in full kit at a Game store in the city centre, to coincide with the launch of the new Madden 2015 game.  People could challenge the players for a game and anyone who won went in a draw to win a free copy of the game.  Both Game and the Bulls were very active on social media to publicise this and there was a lot of people coming in during our 2 days there, and Game gave flyers to anyone who purchased a copy of the game.  In between games players also handed out flyers to the general public.

These rookie days are our main source of pro-actively recruiting players, but as we are active all year round we do get enquiries at other times, and are always on the lookout for new players.

WS: We recruit through Facebook and word of mouth, we are increasing our use of Twitter and after the academy starting a successful Schools program last year our intention is to continue to work with and recruit through schools and local Council Sports co-ordinators.

 

2) What promotional material do you use?

LG: We also get a load of promotional flyers printed which detail the dates and location of the rookie days – we normally have 4 dates, 2 weeks apart.  We encourage players and coaches to distribute to various places.  As I coach the youth team I also send a batch to a number of schools in the area local to the club.

WS: Promotional material that worked for us last year was posters and fliers sent to local schools and colleges, Facebook events, YouTube videos.

 

3) What sort of things do you do on rookie days?

 

LG: On a rookie day we normally have around 8 “stations”, each station runs a particular drill relating to a particular position, and is manned by at least 2 people, be they players or coaches, who can demonstrate and coach the rookies in each particular skill.  So drills would include things like catching, throwing, blocking, tackling, agility, coverage and kicking.  We try and run different drills for each session, so if anyone attends more than 1 (and it’s not unusual for rookies to come to multiple recruitment sessions), they aren’t doing exactly the same thing each time.  I have attended every session for the past 2 years and we always have the youth players in their own group so they aren’t going against adults, even when the drills are non-contact and unkitted we need to be careful.  We end each session with a game of “passball”, this is non-contact, 3 receivers versus 3 defenders, just for a bit of fun, and to whet their appetite and add a competitive element to the day.

WS: We make our rookie days fun and give new lads a chance to try out at different positions but also put an emphasis on working hard, discipline and team work so they know it will be a great worthwhile challenge.

 

4) How do you keep the less naturally talented/able players keen so they don't leave?

LG: Once pre-season training starts in January I don’t treat anyone any different to be honest, my philosophy is one of inclusion, so everyone gets equal reps, and if there are less able kids then they will get additional help and coaching in between their reps.  I’m full of encouragement, as are my fellow coaches and the experienced players, for me it’s important to have a good atmosphere and to integrate the new players as early as possible so they feel they are part of the team, we’ll do some icebreaking drills too where we pair up a rookie and a “veteran” player and they have to find out things about each other than share their findings with the group.  I think if the player feels part of the team they are less likely to want to leave, regardless of their skills or abilities.  Plus I use the existing players as examples of how much progress can be made in a short space of time. 

WS: We keep less able players keen by setting goals, working on improvement at training and keeping them informed of how they are doing.

 

5) How do you keep players keen at the end of one season going into another?

LG: We have a Facebook group which is the main way I communicate with the players away from training.  This is active all year, so I can post videos, links to NFL stories, highlights, that kind of thing, as can everyone else in the group.  Fortunately the NFL season coincides with our off season so we can have plenty of American Football related banter in the meantime.  A number of players also come along and help out at the 4 recruitment days.  By the time the off season arrives they have been together for at least 9 months, and we have a great team spirit in the camp so they can’t wait for the next season to start.  Its not how do I keep them keen, it’s more like how do I stop them pestering me to start training again!!

WS: As this is only our second year as an Academy it will be our first off season but we have already set ourselves the challenge of entering a Junior team next season so everyone is working hard towards this but we are setting challenges to second year players to help out at rookie days and set examples to new players and also for everyone to use the time to improve and get stronger and fitter.

 

Social Media and word of mouth seem to be key to youth team recruitment, keeping players invested in the team and making sure that all players feel included and have room to grow and improve, maintaining this philosophy will also encourage younger players to graduate to the senior team once they have reached 18.

 

If you are a coach or part of youth team and have a successful recruitment technique not mentioned here, please let me know by emailing me on nia.wright@hotmail.com

No rest for the Saints

Just weeks after winning the BAFANL’s Division 2 Rose Bowl Championships, the Bury Saints have started preparations for the 2016 season. The Saints recruiting campaign is well under way and they will be hosting ‘New Player’ practice sessions on the 11th and 18th October 2015.

Saints Head Coach, Chris Wallis said, “The aim of these sessions is to give Rookies an opportunity to try the sport for the first time and for experienced players to see what we have to offer. We want to attract players of all ages, shapes and sizes. The great thing about American Football is that it can be a sport that allows anybody, regardless of size or fitness, to contribute on the pitch. No experience is required.

My biggest concern is that people will look at the success we’ve had in 2015 and assume we don’t need any more players, when nothing could be further from the truth. We’ve had players retire or leave the area. All positions are open and there to be fought for going into 2016.

We recruited really well last season and must repeat that this year. We would like to start a second team, and perhaps even a Flag Football team, so will need a lot more players and coaches to get those off the ground.”

 

The practice session will be at Thetford Rugby Club, Two Mile Bottom, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 1LZ starting at 1030 and ending at 1400. Players will need to wear the normal clothing for outdoor sport at this time of year, including footwear with studs or cleats and a gum shield if possible. Please also bring your own water etc.

The Saints will also use the sessions to help prepare for their annual charity game against the Rotterdam Trojans in November. Last year Bury travelled to Holland to play the Trojans in the first Movember Bowl and, despite leading for three Quarters, were defeated 19-6.

Wallis continued, “The Trojans were the best team we played last season. They play in the top tier of Dutch Football and held their own against teams ranked in Europe’s Top 10. So we know they will be tough opposition again.

The trip to Rotterdam was a real turning point for the organisation. It was a fantastic bonding experience that carried on to this year.

RB’s Derek White & DiShawn Harvey, WR Brandon Faison plus defenders Luke Boggs and Nick Barker all made their debut’s for the Saints against the Trojans and went on to star for us this year. So it’s a great opportunity for players, of any experience, to get a head start for 2016.”

The adult sessions will be followed (1430 to 1630) by further introductory sessions for the Saints new Youth (14 to 19yrs) teams.

Will Cullum, the Saints Youth Team Coordinator, explained, “We are close to having everything in place to start full practice for our under 19 teams. We had a good turnout at our first session and we want to build on that.

Getting our Youth and Junior teams off the ground is an important step for the development of our Organisation and we are working hard to make certain that happens soon.”

For further information and pre-registration, please contact the team via Burysaints.com or their Facebook page.

Bury finish season with a flourish to lift Rose Bowl

 

 

 

Report by Chris Wallis - Bury

 

 

A complete performance from the Bury Saints sealed the clubs biggest victory to date as they secured a 47-12 victory over Bristol Apache in last Sunday’s Division 2 Rose Bowl final. A five touchdown performance by the offence was matched by a mean Defensive display, forcing five turnovers from their Somerset opponents, but it was WR Axl Rodwell who put the stamp on proceedings with a dazzling 80yard Kickoff return to get the Special Teams unit on the score sheet.

 

The Saints Offence went straight to work after the kick off as strong running by RB Derek White and a pass completion from QB Fred Boyle to WR Brandon Faison set up RB Jake Swisher for the opening score on a 25yd Run. Randell Sorensen kicked the extra point for an early 7-0 lead.

 

Bristol failed to score on the next drive and punted the ball back to Bury. But disaster struck as a mistake, while attempting to punt, gifted Bristol the ball at the Saints Goal Line. Three plays later the Apache were in the end zone themselves with a 2yd pass. The extra point attempt failed to leave the score 7-6.

 

Bury responded immediately as FS Troy Cockerill returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to the Bristol 14yd line before QB Boyle found RB Swisher with an 11yd scoring pass. The kick was missed but the Saints were ahead 13-6.

Tackles by FS Michael Galindo and LB Chris Smith forced Bristol to punt again on their next drive. Another hook up between QB Boyle and WR Faison was followed by a Swisher run to the Apache 14yd line from where RB Chris May sprinted home for the Saints third score of the game. QB Boyle added the extra points for 21-6 lead at the end of the 1^st quarter.

 

 

Bristol opened the 2^nd Quarter with an impressive drive and moved the ball to the Saints 8yd line and just as they looked certain to score, FS Donterio McIntosh intercepted a pass in the Bury end zone and returned it to the Apache 16yd line.

Bury failed to capitalize and once again Bristol drove down the field to threaten the Saints Goal. But it was the Saints Defence, led by Team captain, LB Jesse Carlos, turn to stand firm stopping the Apache on 4^th Down at their own 15yd line.

 

Both Defence’s continued to dominate and FS McIntosh made his second interception of the game, returning it to the half way line to end another promising Bristol drive. With the clock running down in the half QB Boyle found RB May with a 30yd pass to the Apache 10yd line. But two pass attempts into the end zone failed and time expired with the Saints 21-6 ahead.

 

The second half exploded into action with two quick scores.

 

Bristol started the half with the ball at their 31yd line. A mix of short passes and strong running moved the ball to the Saints 22yd line from where they sprinted home for a quick fire score to trail 21-12. Yet again Bury’s response was immediate as Rodwell fielded a short kickoff, broke up the middle and out ran the remaining defenders for an 80yd score. The kick was missed but the Saints lead was returned to 15 points.

The Apache continued to battle bravely but fumbles, recovered by DL Dan Vicsik and LB Smith, ended their next two offensive series. The latter set up RB Swisher for his third touchdown of the game on a 41yd run. Swisher bulled home for the extra points to increase the Saints lead to 35-12. LB Justin Gulley recovered a third Bristol fumble to end the 3^rd quarter.

 

 

With the Saints now in control, a 29yd pass from QB Boyle to WR Faison extended the Bury lead to 41-12 before RB White powered free for 62yd touchdown run to complete the scoring and 47-12 historic victory.

 

After receiving the Rose Bowl Trophy from the British American Football Association’s Vice Chairman, Martin Cockerill, Saints Head Coach, Chris Wallis said, “We did it!! What a great way to end an incredible season and stay unbeaten.

 

The Offence made some big plays but there is no doubt that our Defence and Special Teams unit gave us a strong foundation from which to go forward and win today. We felt coming into the game that we could get a lot of success returning kicks and that proved to be correct. The Defence swarmed to the ball and made big plays when we needed them.”

 

Saints Running Back Jake Swisher, who was awarded the game’s Most Valuable Player for his punishing running and three touchdown performance, said,  “I want to thank everyone. We all played tough football today and I wouldn't have received this award without all of my team mates.  I'm thankful to be part of this amazing team.”

 

Coach Wallis continued by summing up the season, “We’ve worked so hard this season. We always respected our opponents and prepared for them equally regardless of their record. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m humbled to have been part of it. We’ll take a short break and start working towards the 2016 season tomorrow!” 

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The Knights Are Coming!!

Report by Steve Rains

 

The Farnham Knights are heading back to the Premier Division and top flight American Football as they sealed promotion with a convincing 38-27 victory over long time rivals the Solent Thrashers in the Southern Conference Division 1 Bowl game.

 

The Thrashers had the first possession of the game and on 3rd down threw the ball to Joe Pascoe who had plagued the Knights with 3 touchdowns and several long gains in the regular season 33-33 tie.

 

This time however Knights Cornerback Ash-Lee James set the tone for the day with a brilliant defensive play - nobody knew at the time but this pattern continued throughout the game with zero pass completions for the Thrashers

 

The Knights Defense would also go on to record 3 turnovers (2 Fumbles and 1 interception) and they sacked the Thrashers QB no fewer than 6 times continually frustrating the Solent Offense.

 

The Knights opened the scoring in the first quarter on their second possession with star Running Back Gareth Davies breaking clear for a 50yd scoring run behind the ever dependable blocking of his full backs and the Offensive line. John Symons added the extra point and the Knights led 7-0.

 

The next Solent drive started badly as the Knights rookie Defensive End Luke Bridcutt beat his blocker to record his 7th sack of the season - just one short of the club record. The Thrashers went to the air but only found Knights Linebacker Dan Hatcher who picked off the pass to give the Knights the ball.

 

Leading scorer Nick Roope, who was doubtful right up to kick off with a severe migraine, took over from Davies and moved the ball deep into Thrasher territory with some elusive running - he also passed the coveted 1,000yds gained for the season joining Davies (who himself had gone over 1,500yds with the scoring run). With the ball at the 3yd line Gareth Davies completed the drive with his second Touchdown. The extra point kick was blocked and the Knights led 13-0 at the end of the 1st Quarter.

 

Both Defenses played hard in the 2nd quarter - Solent never really threatening to score and the Knights having two John Symons Field Goal attempts blocked - the first from 40yds and the second from 36yds. But with just 2 seconds left on the clock before half time the Knights made it third time lucky as Symons kicked a 20yd attempt to stretch the Farnham half time lead to 16-0

 

The Knights knew that Solent would not be beaten easily and a good start to the second half was important - unfortunately that was not what they got as Solent stopped their Offense and John Symons punt was picked up and returned 65yds by Solent danger man Josh Amis. The Thrashers 2 point conversion attempt was stopped by the Knights defense and the score stood at 16-6

 

Aware of the real danger of a momentum swing the Knights knew they had to hit back quickly it was Gareth Davies, later selected as the Most Valuable Player by the League, who broke clear on an amazing 75 yard run to complete his touchdown hatrick and deflate the Thrashers. Nick Roope ran in the 2 point conversion and the Knights led 24-6

Following the kick off  Josh Amis put the Thrashers back in to scoring range but Luke Bridcutt equalled the club record with his 8th sack of the season to leave them with a 4th down dilemma. The Thrashers coaches decided to go for the yardage and went deep with a pass towards the end zone and this time it was Ally Reid who defended the pass which gave the Knights the ball again.

 

Quarterback Oli De Ruyter led the Knights on a smooth drive which involved passes to Aaron Hayes and Stealey-J Wills along with Nick Roopes elusive running. Roope finished the dive with a 12yd burst into the endzone and he then ran in the 2 point conversion for good measure and the Knights led 32-6

 

A lot of teams would have simply accepted their fate at this stage but this game was a promotion deciding final between two local rivals and credit to Solent they were having none of it. This time the Thrashers went after the momentum change with a 57yd run from Quarterback Dayle Greenfield for the touchdown and with the extra point the game was back in the balance at 32-13.

 

The teams exchanged possessions but as the fourth quarter began the Thrashers were driving again - the Knights appeared to have stopped them but a 4th down penalty extended the drive and Lloyd Scott ran the ball in from the Knights 4yd line - the extra point kick was tipped but still went over and the score stood at 32-20.

 

This game had always promised to be a tight one and the Knights knew that another slip could lead to the unthinkable comeback scenario. Three plays and out didn't help their nerves - but then a game changing moment - Solent were driving with Greenfield again making a big gain on the ground - the ball was handed to danger man Josh Amis but up stepped defensive captain Steve Price who forced a fumble which was recovered by Tom Roberts.

 

The Knights then embarked on a long time consuming drive with Gareth Davies and Nick Roope eating up yards and time - with Roope still not 100% and Gareth Davies tiring from a 230yd 3TD day the Knights turned to Kingsley Ejiogu (who had just seen Davies eclipse his single season club rushing record). He ran 5 times for 15yds completing the drive and effectively sealing the win with a 5yd scoring run. The Knights 2 point conversion failed and the score stood at 38-20

 

The Thrashers mounted one last scoring drive to bring the score back to 38-27 and the teams then exchanged possessions as time expired.

 

Knights Head Coach Steve Rains said "We are absolutely delighted - every one at the club has worked so hard for this. We came so well prepared thanks to the hard work put in by my staff and the players and the unsung heroes in our team management.

 

We also had huge support from the travelling crowd and I am so pleased we repaid them and our Sponsors Premier Prospects with the win - we now truly are the Premier Knights!. We look forward to the new challenge next year - we know we now have a lot more work to do.

 

The stellar performance of our Offense during the season has at times overshadowed the achievements of our Defensive unit but today with the first half shut out, the aerial shut out, six sacks and three turnovers they have silenced any doubters"

 

 

Defensive Coordinator Stewart Clackson concluded "The team has improved so much over the year and the exciting thing for us is we know we have the potential on both sides of the ball to be even better. The players have worked hard and have seen the results and we all want to continue progressing from here"

 

 

 

OFFENSE:	DEFENSE:
Passing:	J Truelove 5S 2A K Ejiogu 1S 4A D Hatcher 4S + 1Int + 1 Sack + 1 FF + 1FR L Bridcutt 3S 1A + 2 Sacks R Wills 3S 1A S Price 1S 2A + 1FF T Roberts 1S 2A + 1Sack + 1FR R Balderson 3S Ash Lee James 2S A Reid 2S D Francis 1S 1A B Monk 1S 1A + 1 Sack J Symons 1S 1A J Criddle 1S 1A R George 1S + 1 Sack S Laws 1S C James 1S F Isaac 1A K Helps 1S K Goswell 1S
O De Ruyter 6 of 14 for  61yds
Receiving:
S Godfrey 2 for 8yds M Bradley-Banszki 1 for 25yds S Wills 1 for 18yds A Hayes 1 for 5yds A Reid1 for 5yds
STATS:
G Davies 15 for 230yds 3TD N Roope 19 for 75yds 1TD K Ejiogu 5 for 15yds 1TD P Wakeford 3 for 14yds K Helps 2 for 3yds D Seaborne 2 for 2yds D Appleyard 1 for 1yd
KICK OFF RETURNS
Ash-Lee James 1 for 20yds N Roope 1 for 20yds S Godfrey 1 for 8yds PUNT RETURNS
Ash-Lee James 2 for 33yds
OFFENSE TOTALS:
KNIGHTS:
Rushing 47 for 340yds  5TD Passing 6 of 14 for  61yds  TOTAL 51 for 401yds  5TD

 

Saints march into Rose Bowl, fighting their way through triple overtime thriller

Report by Chris Wallis

Photos courtesy of William G Watson

 

In a thrilling triple overtime 22-20 win over the Sussex Thunder, the Bury Saints remained unbeaten and advanced to the Division 2 National final, The Rose Bowl, at Hinkley, Leicestershire this Sunday.

RB Scottie Curry warming up

Bury opened the game and, helped by strong running by RB’s Derek White and Chris May, soon moved the ball to the Sussex 16yd line. RB Jake Swisher then powered his way to a 1st Down at the 6yd line. Further runs by White, Swisher and QB Fred Boyle failed to break into the end zone.

Coaches sharing a pre game joke

The Saints attempted a Field Goal on 4th Down but the kick was blocked. But a penalty against the Defence gifted Bury with another 1st Down at the Thunder 3yd line. So, once again, Bury tried to smash the ball home for the opening score of the game. But the Thunder Defence rose to the challenge by holding firm at their own 3yd line.

RB Derek White on a run

Inspired by their Defence, Sussex quickly drove down the field to the Saints 5yd line in six plays. But, just as it looked as if they would take the lead, DT Shaz Begg stuffed a run play and DE Fab Mitchell stripped the ball from the Sussex RB and Bury had the ball again. But the Offence was unable to take advantage and soon punted as the quarter ended with the game scoreless.

Starting at their own 42yd line, Sussex broke for a big run to the Saints 33yd line on 1st Down. Good defence by LB Adam Griffin and DT Dan Vicsik forced a 3^rd Down situation, but 19yd pass had the Thunder threatening to score again. CB Josh Turner broke up a pass attempt and a crucial tackle by DT Derek Wennersten set up LB Chris Smith to block a Field Goal attempt to keep the score 0-0.

LB Chris Smith (51), and DL Spencer Renfro (59) in pursuit of Thunder RB

Bury started from their own 20yd line and methodically worked their way down the field behind Swisher, White and May. But once again, the Sussex Defence toughened up when it needed to and stopped the Saints on 4th Down at their own 19yd line.

Sussex would not be denied this time and, mixing run and pass plays, powered home from the Bury 4yd line for the go ahead score in eight plays. The extra point kick was good for 7-0 lead.

LB Jesse Carlos (54, and DL Spencer Renfro (59) after theThunder QB

 Bury responded immediately. QB Boyle hit WR Evin Reese for 12yds before RB White added another 4yds on the ground. Boyle found Reese again for a short pass completion and then went deep to WR Joey Etheridge for 34yd touchdown pass down the right sideline. The 2 Point attempt failed but the score had been narrowed to 7-6.

WR Evin Reese pulling in a catch

The Green and Gold soon had the ball again as CB Willie Sloan intercepted a way ward Sussex pass and returned it to the Thunder 30yd line. On 1st Down, QB Boyle connected with RB May for 21yds to set up a field goal attempt as time ran down in the first half. But this time the kick sailed wide and Sussex held on to their one point lead going into the break.  

Qb Fred Boyle taking a snap

Sussex had the ball first in the second half but an interception by FS Donterio McIntosh gave possession to Bury just inside their own half. The Saints offence struggled against the tough Thunder defence and a QB sack forced them to punt the ball away after just three plays. But Randell Sorensen’s kick hit a Sussex player and RB Swisher pounced on the loose ball to give the home side the ball at the Thunder’s 19yd line.

CB Josh Turner attempting to top a Thunder TD

The Saints soon took advantage. A short run by RB White was cancelled out by a penalty against Bury before QB Boyle connected with WR Reese with a pin point pass from 22yds out. RB White ran in the two extra points to give the Saints the lead, 14-7, for the first time in the game.

LB’s Zach Hill and Jesse Carlos, along with CB Sloan, made crucial plays on Sussex’s next drive as the Thunder were stopped short on 4th Down. But disaster struck for Bury as a mistake led to a fumble that was recovered by Sussex at their 43yd line as the quarter ended.

Ol Kevin Greer and QB Fred Boyle celebrate some more points

Pass completions of 8, 11 and 13yds helped move the ball to the Saints 9yd line from where Sussex powered home for the touchdown. The extra point was good and the game was tied at 14-14.

Bury were forced to punt again and, with momentum firmly and their side, Sussex were soon threatening the Saints end zone. Led by LB’s Carlos and Griffin, the defence stood firm and Sussex missed a 26yd field goal attempt. Both teams had one more drive each but failed to break the tie and the game went into sudden death overtime.

Sussex won the toss and had the first opportunity to score, but they missed another field goal, and the Saints took the field needing a score to win the game. A 6yd Run by RB May was followed by a 7yd sprint by RB White. RB Swisher picked up 4yds to move the ball to the Thunder 8yd line before the Sussex defence stepped up and forced Bury to attempt a field goal to win the game. But, even though the kick failed, a penalty against Sussex gave Bury a 1st Down at the 4yd line. Yet again, the Sussex defence performed heroics and were rewarded as the Saints kicking woes continued with another botched field goal attempt.

RB Derek White on a run

Bury started the second period of over time with the ball but a fumble ended that drive after only two plays. Sussex took over possession and combination of strong runs and penalties against the Saints moved the ball to the Bury 1yd line. On the next play Sussex looked certain to have won the game with a touchdown run. Another penalty, this time against the Thunder, negated the score and moved the ball out to the 16yd line. A tackle by CB Josh Turner and mistake by Sussex moved the ball further out to the 23yd line before FS Michael Galindo picked off a pass to end the drive.

The Saints had the ball again as the game went to its third period of overtime and the tension grew. Bury kept the ball on the ground and powered their way to the Sussex 3yd line in four plays. RB Swisher was stopped for no gain before he powered over the left side of the line for a touchdown. QB Boyle ran in the crucial two extra points for 22-14 lead.

Sussex now had to match the score on their next drive to save the game. Anything less and the game would be over. Starting at the Saints 25yd line, Sussex threw an incomplete pass on 1st Down. Two runs picked up another 1st Down at the Bury 15yd line. Another incomplete pass was followed by 15yd touchdown throw to narrow the score to 22-20.

Players celebrate at final whistle

With nerves at breaking point, Sussex now needed to convert the two extra point attempt from the 3yd line to keep the game alive. But as the Sussex QB rolled to his right and sped towards the Bury end zone, DE Rob Love and LB Hill broke free and combined to drag him down short of the goal line to end the game to the elation of the Bury sideline.

A jubilant, and very relieved, Bury Saints Head Coach, Chris Wallis said, “WOW......just WOW! What an incredible game! The tension was unbearable at the end!

Both Teams missed opportunities to win outright earlier in the game and, in reality, the game could have gone either way. It was a brilliant game to be part of and show cased everything that was good about British American Football. Amateur players giving everything they’ve got and leaving it all on the field. Brilliant....absolutely brilliant!

Cheerleaders celebrate at final whistle

We got everything we expected from Coach Ellis and his Sussex Team. I genuinely feel for the whole Thunder organisation and it’s a long journey home after losing game like that!

But I’m so, so proud of my players. They never gave up, even when things looked pretty desperate, and kept battling right to the end. We’ve come a very long way in just twenty six months!”

The Saints have just seven days to recover before they take on the Bristol Apache, who beat the Kent Exiles 35-34 in their semi final, on Sunday 13th September in the Final.

Wallis concluded, “Bristol had a great result in the semi final and we know that they are a very tough physical team. We have a lot to do between now and next Sunday, but it’s the same for both teams and we’ll prepare just the same as we have done for every game this season.”