First of all I would like to thank the Caesars; they have a great team and an excellent set-up and whilst the weather unfortunately meant the game couldn’t be transmitted live, their coverage of the game is second to none and a great advert for the sport in the UK.
Heading into the game the Eagles were heavy underdogs having lost three straight and were given no hope by most people outside the club, and Hill was happy to see things finally click for his side:
I think we were the only people not surprised by the result on Sunday. We have known all season what this team is capable of and although results so far haven’t been what we had hoped for, we always knew we were capable of a performance like that.
Both the O and D were excellent but I would like to single out the offensive line for the hard work they have put in and it showed on Sunday; they dominated from start to finish, allowing us to have by far our best running and passing production of the season.
Similarly our D are now penetrating well and getting pressure on the QB. Our secondary put in another outstanding effort with another five-pick performance.
To hold the high-flying Nottingham offense to only two TDs on the day was a great achievement but our offense won us the game, picking up huge running yards and outpacing the Caesars secondary.
Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster added:
All in all I’m absolutely delighted with that result. 395 yards of total offense with over 200 yards rushing says it all. #GIRFUY
You can watch the game in full here:
Due to the Saxons withdrawing from competition the Eagles are not back in action again until Sunday 17th July, against the Doncaster Mustangs at Bedford International Athletics Stadium.
Kick-off is midday, with admission £2 each for adults (for which you receive a free programme) or free for under-18s.
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The Eagles bounced back from last weekend’s close defeat in the best way possible with a convincing 40-19 victory away to the Nottingham Caesars at Harvey Hadden Stadium on Sunday.
Nottingham returned the opening kick-off to their 30-yard line but a holding penalty backed them up, and when Mikey Davies intercepted the ball on second and 15 the Eagles had possession in excellent field position.
A pass completed to Kevin Vasquez gave the Eagles first and goal on the 5-yard line and Richard Thompson powered over the line to open the scoring, Ross Hubbard successfully converting the PAT.
On the Caesars’ next possession they drove the ball to the Eagles 33-yard line, but after deciding to go for it on 4th and 3 were again picked off, this time by Byron Chowles.
Neither side could do anything of note on their next possessions, but the Caesars’ Kieran Matthews recovered a muffed punt return by Eagles Special Teams unit to get the ball back on the Eagles 24-yard line.
They went four and out to give the ball back to the Eagles, who in turn went three and out as the first quarter came to a close.
Both sides continued to trade possessions at the start of the second quarter before the visitors managed to get a toehold in the game.
Strong running and successful short passes took the Eagles to first and goal on the two-yard line, and although the Caesars defence initially held firm they were undone on third and goal after Zach Wodaege’s pass intended for Hubbard was tipped into the grateful hands of Alex “my name isn’t Cross” Smith.
The PAT attempt was blocked but the Eagles lead 13-0.
On their next possession the Caesars were picked off by Nate Ashby, but after the Eagles went three and out got the ball back on their own six after a muffed punt return.
A few players later the deficit was reduced following an eighty-yard pass play. The Caesars QB connected with his receiver across the middle, who burst through the Eagles secondary.
The Eagles started again on the 30-yard line following the punt return, and a short run and pass completed to Hubbard took them to around halfway as we reached the two-minute warning.
Wodaege’s long pass to Smith later and the Eagles had another TD and a lead of 19-6 following the blocked PAT attempt.
After the kick off the Caesars had the ball on their own 26-yard line, and after moving to the 42 thought they had scored only to see another massive pass play called back for a flag.
Ross Cousins sacked the Caesars QB on the very next play, and after being forced to punt on fourth down the Eagles had the ball back on their own 20 with 27 seconds left to play in the half.
Two impressive runs by Richard Thompson took the ball to the halfway line with eleven seconds to play as the Eagles took their third and final timeout of the half.
Wodaege connected with another bomb to Smith which took the ball all the way to the three-yard line, and although time expired as the Eagles tried to spike it, a defensive penalty meant there was an opportunity for one more un-timed play.
It was an opportunity the Eagles offense wasn’t going to waste, and when Wodaege again found Smith in the end zone the lead was further extended to end the half.
Half-Time: Caesars 6 Eagles 25
The second half started as positively for the Eagles as the first had ended.
Excellent blocking by the offensive line and determined running by Thompson – assisted by two face cage penalties against the Nottingham defence – put the Eagles back within striking distance, and it was Thompson who finished the drive by powering across the line.
Wodaege found Hubbard in the back of the end zone with the two-point attempt, and the Eagles had extended their lead again, this time to 33-6.
Both sides traded possession for most of the third quarter before the game sprung to life thanks to another Mikey Davies interception.
Wodaege threw a pick of his own to give possession back to the Caesars, and this time they were able to capitalise and cut the lead to 33-12 after an unsuccessful two-point attempt.
The third quarter ended with the Eagles driving but after going for it on fourth and long on the 30 the Caesars regained possession – only to quickly lose it again thanks to yet another interception by Mikey Davies.
Four plays later Wodaege found Smith again for his fourth touchdown of the day, with Hubbard’s PAT taking the score to 40-12.
The Caesars weren’t finished yet though. They returned the kick-off all the way for a touchdown and the PAT brought them back to within three scores, but once the Eagles successfully recovered their onside kick attempt any remote possibility of a comeback was extinguished.
The Eagles were able to comfortably see out the rest of the game and seal an excellent victory to move to 4-4 for the season with two games left to play.
Picture courtesy of Steve Guy.
In case you missed it, the game was broadcasted in full by our friends at CaesarsTV, and you can check it out in full here:
The Eagles are next in BAFANL action on Sunday 17th July against the Doncaster Mustangs at Bedford International Athletics Stadium.
Kick-off is midday, with admission £2 each for adults (for which you receive a free programme) or free for under-18s.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
Welcome to live coverage of this afternoon’s Midlands Football Conference game between the Eagles and Nottingham Caesars at Harvey Hadden Stadium, Nottingham, kicking off at 2.30pm.
The video below is provided free of charge by our friends at CaesarsTV .
Join in the Conversation
Have your say on the game by including #OVEvsNOT in your tweets:
The Eagles’ next game of the 2016 season takes place this Sunday away to Nottingham Caesars in the Midlands Football Conference.
It is the second meeting between the two sides this season, after the Caesars ran out 26-6 victors at BIAS back in April.
Since then they were edged out 6-0 at home to the Sandwell Steelers, won a thriller against the Birmingham Bulls 37-34 thanks to an interception on the last play of the game, and lost a close one 16-12 to the fast-improving Doncaster Mustangs.
Offensive lineman John Rudgard will be a game time decision after missing the Bulls game with a back injury. Defensive captain Gareth Pullen returns to the squad.
The Eagles have no new injury concerns so will still be without long-term injury victims defensive back Vasco Dias (knee), offensive lineman James Busby (leg) and defensive lineman Anthony Ogunleye (shoulder).
Directions
The Caesars play their home games at the Harvey Hadden Sports Village on Wigman Road, Nottingham NG8 4PB.
Game Coverage
If you can’t make it to Nottingham for the game it will be streamed live by the Caesars via Caesars TV.
We will also be providing regular updates on the game via Facebook and Twitter, as well as on this website.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
Interim Head Coach Darren Hill and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster have been reflecting on Sunday’s defeat against the Nottingham Caesars.
The Eagles went down 26-6 against the Caesars in what was the team’s third game in successive weekends, and Coach Hill was the first to admit to being a little disappointed with how the season has started:
Sunday saw us complete the third straight game in a row and it’s fair to say it has been a rough start to the season so far.
After three successful training camps we were hoping to come out firing on all cylinders but we’ve come up short so far with only one win and two losses.
Our run game has improved each week and we now have two weeks to study the game film and make adjustments as we look forward to the rest of the season, starting away at Peterborough.
McMaster agrees, and wants his offense to relax and express themselves more:
Sunday ends the toughest part of our season, having played three games on the bounce without any opportunity to practice in between.
We didn’t develop the momentum on offense we were hoping to, and we’ve suffered from being a young team as everyone gets very uptight during games – they aren’t playing with the freedom and expression they should be.
That lead to a performance like Sunday’s where we moved the ball well and didn’t have many three and outs, but we made mistakes at key points and poor execution throughout the game kept us out of any contention.
The positives are we’re expecting several players back from injury after the weekend and our injuries from the game don’t seem to be too bad, so we should be at full strength before Peterborough. I’m confident well be able to rectify the problems moving forward.
The game against the Saxons takes place on Sunday 8th May at Thorney Rugby Club, kicking off at 2.30pm.
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After picking up their first win at Doncaster last week the Eagles were looking forward to a good performance in their National League Division 1 American Football home opener on Sunday.
Unfortunately the visiting Nottingham Caesars had other ideas and recorded a convincing 26-6 victory at Bedford International Athletics Stadium.
The stand out player was Caesars wide receiver Deivydas Merkelis, who hauled in three touchdown passes from quarterback Daniel Johnson. The first came midway through the first quarter as the Eagles defence uncharacteristically missed tackles to allow a good run after the catch to open the scoring.
Ouse Valley responded well with a good drive and got into field position to equalise, however Eagles quarterback Mikey Davies saw his pass intended for Ross Hubbard picked off by Nottingham linebacker Andrew Wilkins, who returned it the length of the field to increase the visitor’s advantage.
The half was closed with the Eagles picking up a few injuries to key players and facing a twenty point deficit going into the second half.
A high floating pass to the corner of the end zone saw Merkekis extend the lead further towards the end of the third.
The Eagles got on the board as replacement quarterback Zach Wodeage found running back Curtis Williston for a score as the game drew to a close but in truth this was no more than consolation for the hosts, who now have a fortnight to regroup before making the short trip to Peterborough to meet the Saxons on Sunday 8th May.
Report by Mark Chilton, photograph courtesy of Steve Guy.
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The Eagles’ first home game of the 2016 season takes place this season as we welcome the Nottingham Caesars to BIAS in the Midlands Football Conference.
After two difficult seasons in the Premier Division the Caesars returned to Division One last year, and posted a much-improved record of 4-5-1 in the BAFANL 1 Northern Conference which included a 26-20 defeat to fellow MFC1 opponents the Doncaster Mustangs.
Their 2016 campaign has kicked off positively thanks to a 23-12 victory over the Peterborough Saxons a fortnight ago, and they will be looking to continue their bright start against an Eagles team that has mixed fortunes to date.
Eagles QB Zach Wodaege was expected to return against the Mustangs last week but is a gametime decision this time around due to the knee injury he picked up during pre-season.
Defensive Back Kevin Kong returns to the squad for the first time this season and Offensive Lineman John Phillips is also back in contention after missing the Doncaster game.
Cody Hausenbuiller is available again but fellow Wide Receiver Matthew Hamilton is out with a hamstring injury.
Anthony Ogunleye misses the game after dislocating his shoulder in the season opener at Sandwell, and long-term injury victims Vasco Dias (DB) and James Busby (OL) are also both still out.
In this week’s Programme
This week’s programme cover features Defensive Lineman Andy Larwill.
Inside we hear from Chairman Neale McMaster, Darren Hill ahead of his first home game as Interim Head Coach, Offensive Captain Danny Cousins and Rookie of the Week Miguel Alvarez-Frias.
We also have a feature on our visitors the Nottingham Caesars, a Q&A with Caesars Assistant Head Coach Vanden Warner, a Spectator Guide and more.
The programme is free with admission (£2 each for adults, free for under-18s and free for anyone who has downloaded our mobile app for iOS and Android).
Directions
Our home games are played at Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SB:
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In the third part of our series taking a closer look at 2016’s MFC1 (Midland Football Conference 1) opponents, we concentrate on the Nottingham Caesars…
The Caesars were formed in 1984 originally as a Junior Club alongside the Nottingham Hoods. The Hoods ceased to exist in 1994 which helped the Caesars, who subsequently posted a 10-0 record in 1995.
In 1997 they made it to the Britbowl final before losing out to Redbridge Fire. 26-7.
They were promoted to the BAFL Division 1 South West Conference following a successful 2008 9-0-1 BAFL 2 Central campaign that culminated in a semi-final defeat to the Tamworth Phoenix, but struggled in 2009 and 2010 posting records of 2-8 and 1-9-1.
A league restructure ahead of the 2011 season saw the Caesars in the BAFANL 1 Central Conference where they finished a respectable 6-4, and after another league restructure and a 7-3 season in the BAFANL 1 Northern Conference 2012, were promoted to the Premier Division.
The team struggled at the higher level and ended the 2013 season 1-9, and the following year ended 1-8.
Following yet another league restructure the Caesars found themselves in BAFANL 1 Northern Conference last season, where they posted a much-improved record of 4-5-1.
2015 Schedule
Sun April 19th @ Chester Romans WIN 28-25
Sun April 26th @ Merseyside Nighthawks LOST 46-6
Sun May 10th @ Gateshead Senators LOST 21-9
Sun May 17th @ Shropshire Revolution WON 27-13
Sun May 31st vs Merseyside Nighthawks LOST 27-6
Sun Jun 7th vs Shropshire Revolution WON 47-9
Sun Jun 14th vs Chester Romans WIN 22-12
Sun Jun 28th vs Edinburgh Wolves LOST 36-0
Sun July 19th vs Doncaster Mustangs LOST 26-20
Sun Aug 8th @ Clyde Valley Blackhawks TIE 12-12
The 2016 regular season schedule has been confirmed, and sees the Eagles kicking off under the lights at Sandwell Steelers on Saturday 9th April.
It is the first ever meeting between the two sides and is followed a week later by another first as we travel to South Yorkshire to face the Doncaster Mustangs for the first time.
The first home game of the season takes place on Sunday 24th April, when we welcome Nottingham Caesars to BIAS, and two weeks later we make the short journey to Peterborough to take on the Saxons.
The return game with the Steelers takes place at BIAS on Sunday 22nd May, and after a short break we have back-to-back games in June at home to the Birmingham Bulls (Sunday 5th June) and the return game at the Caesars (Sunday 12th June).
The regular season is rounded off by three games in July; home to Peterborough Saxons on Sunday 3rd July, home to Doncaster Mustangs on Sunday 17th, and away to Birmingham Bulls on 31st July.
Ouse Valley Eagles 2016 Regular Season Schedule
Saturday 9th April @ Sandwell Steelers
Sunday 17th April @ Doncaster Mustangs
Sunday 24th April, 12pm vs Nottingham Caesars
Sunday 8th May @ Peterborough Saxons
Sunday 22nd May, 12pm vs Sandwell Steelers
Sunday 5th June, 12pm vs Birmingham Bulls
Sunday 12th June @ Nottingham Caesars
Sunday 3rd July, 12pm vs Peterborough Saxons
Sunday 17th July, 12pm vs Doncaster Mustangs
Sunday 31st July @ Birmingham Bulls
Kick off times for all away games are to be confirmed.
2016 PLAY-OFF STRUCTURE
For the 2016 season the top eight teams in Division 1 will progress to the play-offs, which will consist of the top two teams in each of the three conferences (NFC1, MFC1, SFC1) plus the two third-placed teams with the best record.
These play-offs will be ranked nationally, and in the first round will see:
The National Bowl finalists will both be promoted to the Premier Division, and will be inserted on a regional basis. This permits two teams from the same conference being promoted if they are able to earn a Bowl spot.
2016 BAFA NL STRUCTURE (DIVISION 1 EXPANSION)
Following a league restructure the Eagles will be playing in Midlands Football Conference (MFC) 1.
Each team faces each conference opponent home and away to make up a ten-game regular season schedule, meaning that unlike in 2015 there are no inter-conference games.
North Football Conference 1 (NFC1)
– Clyde Valley Blackhawks
– Edinburgh Wolves
– Gateshead Senators
– Manchester Titans
– West Coast Trojans
– Yorkshire Rams
The British American Football Association (BAFA) have announced an expansion of Division 1 of the National League from 16 to 18 teams, and the creation of MFC1 (Midland Football Conference 1).
The Eagles have been placed in MFC1 along with 2015 opponents Birmingham Bulls, as well Doncaster Mustangs, Nottingham Caesars, Peterborough Saxons and Sandwell Steelers.
Each team will face each conference opponent home and away to make up a ten-game regular season schedule, meaning that unlike in 2015 there will be no inter-conference games.
2015 opponents Hertfordshire Cheetahs, Colchester Gladiators and Hampshire Thrashers have all been placed in South Football Conference 1.
The provisional 2016 regular season schedule is expected to be announced early in the New Year.
2016 Play-Off Structure
For the 2016 season the top eight teams in Division 1 will progress to the play-offs, which will consist of the top two teams in each of the three conferences (NFC1, MFC1, SFC1) plus the two third-placed teams with the best record.
These play-offs will be ranked nationally, and in the first round will see:
The National Bowl finalists will both be promoted to the Premier Division, and will be inserted on a regional basis. This permits two teams from the same conference being promoted if they are able to earn a Bowl spot.
BAFA have also announced that the structure for Division 2 will not be confirmed until the Associate process for 2016 entry is completed next month, however it was confirmed that Cambridgeshire Cats, Chester Romans, East Kent Mavericks and Shropshire Revolution will be competing in Division 2 next season.
2016 BAFA NL Structure (Division 1 Expansion)
North Football Conference 1 (NFC1)
– Clyde Valley Blackhawks
– Edinburgh Wolves
– Gateshead Senators
– Manchester Titans
– West Coast Trojans
– Yorkshire Rams
