After a well earned autumn break after their undefeated Rose
Bowl championship season, the Bury
Saints are back on the practice field in preparation for 2016. With their
title came promotion to the BAFA
National League 1 Southern Conference, and a host of newer, tougher
opposition, but with an ultimate prize of a place in the Premier Division. Their opposition will include old rivals the Hertfordshire Cheetahs, as well as
coming up against the Sussex Thunder,
their opposition in that epic semi-final in September.
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| New RB Cory Jenkins (no 7) |
Changes have been afoot for the team however with a full
time venue move confirmed to Thetford
Rugby Club. On the field the field the autumn rookie days have proved to be
another great success with a number of promising new players joining the fold
for 2016.
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| The Saints Offense |
Some experienced players have left with Defensive Captains Adam Griffin and Jesse Carlos both having retired, but the future of the defense
looks bright with a number of younger players having established themselves in
2015, and now looking to take another step forward. This promise was evident
during the Movember Bowl game against
Rotterdam in November when the
Saints won 31-0.
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| RB Chris May (no 29) |
Team manager and Defensive Coordinator Neil Van Holland said; "The improvement from year 1 to year 2
was excellent. Better than we could ever have imagined. As with all teams we
have to roll with the changes. Losing experienced players to retirement is
something every team deals with, but we are confident of a good season. We have
a deep squad and should see further improvements from our younger players in
2016"
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| QB Fred Boyle (red shirt) |
On the offensive side of the ball former GB Quarterback Fred Boyle returns to lead the unit.
They too however have lost important players with experienced Left Tackle Ken Kelly retiring. Also expected to be
missing for the majority of the season is Rose Bowl MVP Running Back Jake Swisher who is recovering after
shoulder surgery. The Green and Gold
are buoyed however by having an extremely strong stable of Running Backs,
strengthened further by the addition of Cory
Jenkins who ran for 94 yards and 2 TDs on his debut against Rotterdam.
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| Retired Linebacker Jesse Carlos coaching |
Van Holland stated, "Jake and Ken were important pieces in
the offence last year, but we have recruited some promising new lineman, and
the backfield is deep. SFC 1 looks super competitive and is going to be a big
step up. We need everyone to chip in and share the workload to be
successful"
The set up of youth teams has been another huge step forward
for the organisation this off season with upwards of 20 local young athletes
regularly making it to the initial sessions held
 |
| RB Derek White (white shirt) |
Senior offensive lineman Will Cullum has been integral in getting the youth team up and
running. He said "We couldn't be any happier with the enthusiasm and potential we
have seen so far. We are now looking to take the next step and apply for a
Sport England grant to purchase equipment. This is an important step in
ensuring the next generation of Saints players"
Practice for the Adult team continues every Sunday 1030-1400
at Thetford Rugby Club with the regular season less than 3 months away now in mid-April.
Youth sessions start immediately after from 1430 until
1630hrs.
2015 was a memorable year for the Saints but hopes are afoot
that the team can make a consecutive push for Postseason football in 2016.
nyone wishing to get involved with the organisation be it
playing, coaching or volunteering can contact the team via the website
www.burysaints.com or via the teams Facebook page "Bury Saints American
Football Team".
