The Ouse Valley Eagles hosted their first ever home game in the BAFANL on Sunday, with a pleasing 37-0 victory over league new boys the London Hornets.
The Eagles game flying out the gate with two scores on their first two possessions, with Running Back and Offensive Captain Yomi Okuboyejo power over, through and around defenders for a 32 yard rushing touchdown to kick-start the game. After a quick turnover by the Eagles defense, the offense went back out onto the field, and after a defensive penalty took away a sure touchdown, the Eagles scored on the very next play, with WR Chris Cowley adjusting well to the ball in the air and making the TD grab.
It was then the turn of the Eagles Special Teams and Defense to get on the scoreboard, both times through Chris Parr, who scored on a terrific Punt return and returned an interception to the house for a further 6 points. This gave the Eagles a 24-0 lead with 2 minutes still to play in the first quarter.
The game slowed over the next two quarters as the developmental players on the Eagles squad found their feet, however the defense was on top throughout. The Eagles moved the ball well throughout, but struggled to get the ball in the end zone.
In the fourth quarter the game livened up a little, with rookie corner Mike Edwards getting two interceptions, one of which he returned to the end zone for another six points taking the score line to 31-0. A further interception by fellow rookie corner Darren Jackson gave the Eagles some great field position, which finally resulted in some points, as Martin Day completed a quick pass to Dale Hawes on the slant for what turned out to be the final score of the game, leaving the score line at 37-0.
In what was a much more polished performance by the Eagles overall, the defense stood out once again as a unit to be feared in the National division. Stand out performances from Dale Hawes who had a few superb catches and a touchdown, and Chris Parr who returned one touchdown and intercepted another, were rewarded with a game ball each.
With the withdrawal of Maidstone Pumas from the league with immediate effect, it is expected that the Eagles will receive a pair of 1-0 victories for those game, meaning the team has a 3-1 record at the moment, which shows a good start to the season for the newly formed team.
The Eagles will play the Kent Exiles in two weeks time, on the 11th May at Bedford International Athletic Stadium and are looking to go 4-1 against an opponent they don’t know a lot about, as this will be the Exiles first game of the season. Kickoff is 12pm and admission is £2, with a programme included in the price.
Check out some excellent photo’s of the game day here: http://www.glnphotography.com/galleries/2014-04-27-Eagles-Hornets/