Walney Terriers off the leash for American football bow
Last updated at 16:51, Thursday, 25 October 2012
SCORING a touchdown with the opening play of the game, the newly-formed Walney Terriers American football team got off to a perfect start in their first match.
Star quarterback Gareth Da’Bell picked out receiver and offensive coordinator Matt McCree with a 30-yard touchdown pass, stunning visitors Carlisle Border Reivers.
The more experienced Carlisle side eventually ran out 21-6 winners, but the Terriers’ first experience of competitive gridiron was hailed as a big success.
“We’ve been advertising the game hard but we didn’t think we’d get such a great response from local people,” said Terriers offensive lineman Paul Bulmer. “There was a big crowd all shouting ‘Terriers’ and the feeling was amazing.
“This one was all about learning, and Carlisle were fantastic.”
Decked out in their green and gold uniforms, the Terriers were cheered on by a 200-strong crowd at Furness RU’s Strawberry Grounds on Sunday, with Carnival drumming band Deatbeats entertaining the spectators at half-time as the rival teams battled for the ‘Cumbria Clash’ cup.
This was the first of three league association games the Terriers must play in their first season to prove to the league that they have the commitment and resources to fulfil fixtures, both at home and away. All new clubs go through this process, to show they can field a team and have the necessary infrastructure in place.
“The whole team looked so professional when we ran out on the pitch,” added Bulmer.
“Achievement-wise, all the coaches and committee, we’ve never been so proud of a bunch of guys, who don’t have a huge amount of time to spare.
“The game got off to a glorious start.
“On our first play we scored a 30-yard touchdown, which took everyone by surprise. It couldn’t have got off to a better start.
“But Carlisle had very set tactics and used them very well. They used their experience against us and broke us towards the end of the second half.
“Their line must have had 15 stone on us man-for-man.”
Terriers head coach and former London Monachs player, Phil Gillgrass, will be looking to build on an impressive start when the Manchester Titans come to town on November 10 for the second league association match.
And the club are looking to make the ‘Cumbria Clash’ fixture with Carlisle an annual game after Sunday’s success.
First published at 16:50, Thursday, 25 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Well done to all involved, it was a great occasion and the lads did themselves proud. Get this on your list of things to do in November, well worth it!!
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well done to everyone involved in the game on Sunday , the terriers done themselves and the team proud with their efforts, and I look forward to the next few games that the lads play to show that there are 2 teams in Cumbria to be reckoned with
Posted by jim on 26 October 2012 at 16:34