Category: Reports

REPORT | Eagles edge out Warriors in opener

13 Apr
Michael Dilley All News, Gameday, Reports, Senior Football , , , , , , , , ,

The Eagles opened their 2017 BAFA National League campaign with a determined and gutsy 14-12 victory over the South Wales Warriors on Sunday afternoon.

Whilst the rest of the UK enjoyed BBQ weather, South Wales was overcast and windy which did not help either offence settle in their first outing this year. An uneventful first quarter was scoreless.

The Eagles offence established a foothold with their running game in the second quarter, but were frustrated by a spirited goal-line stand by the hosts when looking likely to score.

The breakthrough finally came after a Byron Chowles interception gave the Eagles great field position, and running back Ben Cockin was able to convert from five yards. Mike Turner added the extra-point to give the visitors the half-time lead.

True to form the Warriors opened the second half in determined fashion and soon replied with a rushing touchdown of their own. The extra point conversion attempt was blocked – crucially as it would turn out – so the Eagles retained a slender advantage.

The key offensive moment for Ouse Valley took place on the next drive when QB Justin LaRoda found wide-out Bob Benney in the corner of the end zone from 36-yards for a spectacular diving catch. Turner again converted the extra point to put the visitors up 14-6.

The Eagles then appeared to be content to keep their opponents at arm’s length playing ‘bend but not break’ defence. Spirited tackling from Harry Rackham and sacks by Ross Hubbard and Garvin Yarde continued to contain Warriors offence.

This effort was exemplified by Linebacker Kase Chibwe chasing down the opposing running back and tackling him inside the five-yard line when he looked certain to score. South Wales were unable to convert and were pushed back out of field goal range by an Eagles goal-line stand.

The fourth quarter was played out with both sides exchanging possession until the Warriors drove in the last two minutes. The Eagles may have thought they had closed it out with their opponents facing fourth down with one second of the game left, however the hosts brilliantly converted a scrambling play to score in the corner as time expired.

The Warriors’ ensuing two-point conversion attempt was snuffed out by a gang of Eagles tacklers leaving them to edge a close one by 14-12 and take the win back east.

Both teams should take credit for producing an exciting game played in a great spirit. The Eagles will be glad to get that one out of the way and will look forward to hosting the game five return in Bedford on Sunday 11 June.

The next challenge is another road trip, this time to Southampton to face the Solent Thrashers, on Sunday 30th April.

Photo courtesy of Daria Urban.

Eagles season ends in defeat against the Bulls

04 Aug
Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Eagles’ 2016 season came to a disappointing end with a 41-28 defeat away to the Birmingham Bulls on Sunday, thanks in no small part to a disastrous third quarter.

The Bulls received the opening kick off and after a strong drive that included successfully converting a 4th and 6 attempt on the Eagles 15-yard line, opened the scoring following a complete pass from one-yard out.

On the Eagles’ first possession a big pass completion and gain from Ross Hubbard took the offense to the Bulls 37 but the drive stalled, and the hosts were backed up inside their five-yard line following the punt.

Birmingham managed to drive to around halfway before being forced to punt, and it was the Eagles’ turn to start inside their own five.

Strong running from Kase Chibwe and a catch from Alex Smith took the Eagles to up to their 41 at the end of the first quarter, and another catch from Hubbard to start the second period moved the ball into Bulls territory.

Another completed pass to Smith took the Eagles to the 36 but a fumble on the next play was recovered by the Bulls and returned to the Eagles 28, where only a last-ditch tackle from QB Zach Wodaege prevented the lead being extended.

The Bulls got as far as the 14 before having to settle for a field goal attempt, but after the snap was fumbled the Eagles regained possession on halfway thanks to Mal Stevenson.

More strong running eventually resulted in first and goal on the four, and Chibwe crossed the line to reduce the deficit to 7-6 after the unsuccessful PAT attempt.

Andy Larwill’s fumble recovery got the Eagles the ball back quickly just inside the Bulls half, and when Wodaege connected with Smith from 36 yards out – running backwards – the Eagles had the lead.

The Bulls drove to halfway at the two-minute warning and down to the 18-yard line soon after, but Tony Ledger’s interception killed the momentum and the Eagles were unable to capitalise before the half, despite several quick first downs.

Half-Time: Bulls 7 Eagles 12

The Eagles received the kick off to start the second half but the drive stalled in the Bulls half and they regained possession on their ten-yard line after Ross Hubbard’s punt.

A 23-yard run and 14-yard pass took the Bulls to midfield, and a 53-yard pass over the top unlocked the Eagles secondary to regain the lead, the PAT attempt making the score 14-12.

The Bulls forced a fumble on the kick return and returned it for a touchdown, converted a two-point attempt to extend their lead to 22-12, and capitalised on another fumble on fourth and short on the Eagles’ next possession to take the score to 28-12 after an unsuccessful two-point attempt.

When the Eagles fumbled another kick off return to hand the ball back to the Bulls they wasted no time in punching the ball in again to make it 27 unanswered points in a horrific third period from an Eagles perspective.

The fourth quarter started with a strong offensive drive from the Eagles that was ended by a five-yard touchdown run by Chibwe and two-point conversion to cut the score to 34-20, but any chances of an unlikely comeback were put to bed on the Bulls’ next possession (41-20).

The final touchdown of the game came from departing QB Wodaege who ran the ball in for the Eagles from inside the five, and Gareth “Tish” Pullen trundled across the line for the two-point conversion to make the final score 41-28 to the Bulls.

After the game Interim Head Coach Darren Hill informed the team that he would not be putting himself forward for the position on a regular basis. Further details will be announced in due course.

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Eagles bounce back with a bang

14 Jun
Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football , , , , , , , , ,

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.

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Bulls hold on to deny Eagles last-gasp win

06 Jun
Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football , , , , , , , ,

The Eagles went down swinging 13-12 in a thrilling encounter with the Birmingham Bulls at Bedford International Athletics Stadium yesterday.

Birmingham returned the opening kick-off to their 45-yard line and eventually opened the scoring with a pass from 17-yards out on a drive that used up almost half of the opening quarter.

The Eagles drove into opposition territory but a fumble by running back Richard Thompson gave the ball back to the Bulls on around halfway.

Despite a number of penalties the Bull’s next possession looked threatening until line backer Bryan Mullally forced and recovered a fumble to regain possession, and that gave the Eagles offense the impetus it needed to spark into life.

Completions to Ross Hubbard and Ryan Bowtell gave the Eagles first and goal on the five, and on second and goal Zach Wodaege ran the ball into the end zone to reduce the deficit although the extra point attempt was blocked – a missed opportunity that would prove very costly come the end of the game.

More offensive penalties delayed the Bulls on their next possession to open up the second quarter although they eventually made it into the red zone, but when Mullally sacked the QB on third and long the Bulls were forced to punt from the Eagles 39.

Dom Taylor’s interception for Birmingham gave them the ball back on the 21 soon afterwards and after yet more penalties gave them fourth and very long once again the hosts had another chance to try and strike back before the end of the half, only for Taylor to make another, very impressive interception deep in Eagles territory.

Birmingham soon had first and goal at the two-yard line which became second and goal on the three after the run attempt was stopped in the back field at the two-minute warning, and when Joey Foggan picked off the pass on third down the Eagles had gotten away with one.

The offense was able to drive to halfway before going four and out, and the half finished with Birmingham unable to capitalise.

Half-Time: Eagles 6 Bulls 7

The third quarter was a cagey affair as both teams exchanged possession, the only real action of note being Oliver Latimer’s fumble recovery for the Eagles and the Bulls missing a 35-yard field goal attempt, but the game sprang into life at the start of the fourth quarter.

Latimer forced another fumble which was recovered by Foggan to give the Eagles the ball back on their own 30-yard line, and a completed pass to Vasquez took them into Birmingham territory before the drive stalled, and the Bulls took over on downs.

The Bulls were also unable to make the most of their next possession and following a flag on the play during the punt the Eagles started again on their 7.

A twenty-yard completion to Alex Smith followed but the drive again stalled, but possession was regained following a huge hit by Kevin Vasquez on the punt returner.

The Eagles went four and out and the Bulls responded in the perfect way, driving down the field and extending their lead with a 20-yard run. Importantly for the hosts the PAT was blocked, keeping it a one-score game with three minutes to play.

Starting again on the 20 following the kick off, Wodaege connected with a bomb to Smith to take offense all the way to the Bulls 32-yard line, and had second and short at the two-minute warning.

Another big pass completed to Smith gave the Eagles first and goal on the one-yard line, and after an incomplete pass Wodaege ran it in himself to take it to 13-12 with 50 seconds to play.

The coaches had a big decision to make – a successful PAT would tie the game and most-likely lead to overtime or a successful two-point attempt would most-likely win it, whereas if either were to fail the Bulls would almost certainly take the win.

They decided to go for two but as Wodaege rolled out to his right his deflected pass fell incomplete, and after successfully fielding an onside kick attempt Birmingham took a knee to seal their first win of the season and deny the Eagles what would have been a remarkable victory.

The Eagles are back in BAFANL action this Sunday (12th June) away to the Nottingham Caesars.

Picture courtesy of Steve Guy.

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Eagles slip to third defeat of the season

24 May
Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football , , , , , , , , , ,

The Eagles dropped to 3-3 for the season following a disappointing 14-0 defeat at home to Sandwell Steelers on Sunday at Bedford International Athletic Stadium.

The Steelers returned the opening kick-off to their 29-yard line but were forced to punt on their opening possession, Zach Wodaege and the Eagles offense taking over possession on the 45.

Quick passes completed to Ross Hubbard and Cody Hausenbuiller gave the hosts a first down but possession was turned over just two plays later thanks to an interception by the Sandwell secondary.

A big run through the middle took Sandwell to the edge of the red zone, and more good running gave them first and goal, on the five, where another run opened the scoring. The extra point attempt was successful, and gave the visitors a 7-0 lead.

Byron Chowles’ impressive kick-off return again gave the Eagles good starting field position, and this time around they looked more likely to capitalise.

They drove the ball into the Sandwell red zone and up to the 15-yard line and went for it on fourth and four, but the Steeler defensive line held strong to force a turnover on downs on their own 7-yard line.

Sandwell’s next possession got off to a shaky start as a result of a fumble which they managed to recover on their own 4-yard line, but as the first quarter ended had been able to drive the ball to around halfway.

Their impressive drive continued with a combination of short passes and strong running, and after converting a 4th and 3 on the five-yard line had a first and goal on the Eagles 2.

Excellent defensive play lead by defensive tackle Andy Larwill soon turned first and goal at the 2 to third and goal at the 15, and when a Steelers pass was incomplete on 4th and goal the Eagles took over on downs on their own 5.

Running Back Jamahl Watson broke a run through to the 37 but the drive stalled, and a muffed fake punt handed the Steelers the ball back on the Eagles 38-yard line.

Sandwell’s drive progressed as far as the 22 before going for it on 4th down and coming up short, but they had the ball back just a couple of plays later when Eagles QB Zach Wodaege was adjudged to have fumbled the ball.image

They were unable to capitalise however, and had a field goal attempt blocked shortly before the end of the half.

HALF-TIME: EAGLES 0 STEELERS 7

The Eagles received the ball to start the second half and started on their own 27-yard line following a holding penalty, and thought they were back in the game early on.

Wodaege’s bomb was spectacularly caught by Alex Smith who duly took the ball to the house, only to see the score chalked off for a penalty against the offensive line.

It was a body blow for an offense struggling to get a toehold on the game, who were then forced to punt.

Sandwell were unable to capitalise on their next possession but backed the Eagles up inside their 5-yard line thanks to a booming punt.

Wodaege’s pass was picked off by the Sandwell secondary to give them the ball back on the 14, and further strong running resulted in the second and final score of the game.

Both sides exchanged possessions in the fourth quarter, and although the Eagles defence forced fumbles via Julian Ikeme and Andy Larwill the game finished 14-0 to the visitors.

The Eagles are back in BAFANL action on Sunday 5th June at home to Birmingham Bulls.

Kick-off is midday at BIAS, with admission priced at £2 each for adults (for which you receive a free programme) or free for those under-18.

Pictures courtesy of Steve Guy.

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Eagles drop home opener

25 Apr
Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football , ,

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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Defense digs deep at Doncaster

19 Apr
Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football , , , ,

The Eagles picked up their first win of the season with a hard-fought 13-12 victory over Doncaster Mustangs at the Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday.

Following the coin toss the Eagles received the opening kick-off but went three and out on their first possession. Doncaster’s first drive stalled around midfield, and after the Eagles were again forced to punt they regained possession thanks to an interception by Chris Parr.

The momentum would soon swing back in favour of the hosts after the Eagles threw a pick of their own, and the Mustangs took the lead after a pass from seven yards out.

The Eagles offense looked to have clicked as they drove deep into Doncaster territory, but following another interception in the red zone the scoring opportunity was lost.

Both teams exchanged possession for most of the second quarter but when Nate Ashby picked off the Mustangs QB the Eagles O was finally able to punch the ball in after driving thirty yards, Curtis Williston finishing the drive with a one-yard run.

Half-Time: Mustangs 6 Eagles 7

The second half got off to a blistering start after the Eagles successfully recovered an onside kick but quickly settled back into the same pattern as both offenses struggled to move the ball.

Proceedings were given a jump start when Parr returned a Mustangs punt 85 yards to the house only to see it called back for a flag, and three plays later the hosts were in the end zone.

They were unable to convert the two-point conversion though, and those missed points would ultimately turn out to be the difference between the two sides.

As the fourth quarter got underway the Eagles had the ball on their own 20. They were unable to turn the possession into a meaningful drive and Doncaster started again on their own 42 following a punt, but when Parr stepped in front of his receiver for his second interception of the day and returned it to the end zone, the Eagles had the lead.

The two-point conversion was no good, and on the Mustangs’ next possession Parr again caught an interception – his third of the day.

With around five minutes to play the Mustangs had the ball and started driving into Eagles territory.

A holding penalty on first and goal from the six with a little under 90 seconds to play pushed them back to the 16-yard line, and with 54 seconds left Nate Ashby picked off the QB in the end zone for his second – and the defense’s fifth – interception of the day to seal the win.

Final: Mustangs 12 Eagles 13
Photo courtesy of GrahamBeardsleyPhotography
Photo courtesy of GrahamBeardsleyPhotography

The Eagles are back in BAFANL action this Sunday with our first home game of the season, against Nottingham Caesars.

Kick off is midday at BIAS, with admission priced at £2 each for adults (for which you receive a free programme) or free for those under-18.

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Eagles off to losing start against Steelers

13 Apr
Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football , , ,

The 2016 season got off to a disappointing start for the Eagles thanks to a 24-6 defeat away to Sandwell Steelers on Sunday (10th April).

The Eagles started the game brightly. After returning the opening kick off to the 39-yard line the offense marched towards the red zone, and took the lead after QB Mikey Davies connected with Tom Childs from the 24-yard line.

Sandwell responded strongly though. An impressive kick return gave the Steelers a relatively short field, and they struck quickly with a deep pass to level the scores at 6-6.

The two sides traded possession for the rest of the first quarter but it was the hosts who edged ahead early in the second period, and the lead was extended before the end of the half after the Sandwell offense capitalised on a turnover following an interception.

HALF-TIME: Steelers 18 Eagles 6

The second half couldn’t have started better for the Eagles after recovering a Sandwell fumble on the kick-off inside the 20-yard line, but the Steelers D again forced a turnover on third down with another interception.

Neither side were able to add to the score before the end of the third quarter, with time expiring as Sandwell were driving, and they hit the decisive blow at the start of the fourth.

The rest of the game followed the now-familiar pattern as both offenses exchanged three and outs and short drives, with Sandwell never looking in danger of allowing their lead to be threatened.

FINAL: Steelers 24 Eagles 6

The Eagles return to BAFANL action this Sunday, away to Doncaster Mustangs. Kick off at the Keepmoat Stadium is 2.30pm.

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Colchester stun Eagles

20 May
OVEagles All News, Reports, Senior Football , , , , , ,

The Ouse Valley Eagles travelled to Colchester on Sunday for their first Inter Conference fixture of their American Football National League Division 1 campaign.  A disappointingly lacklustre performance saw the Eagles fall to their first defeat of the season and the Gladiators record their first victory.

It could scarcely have started better for the Eagles as free safety Kevin Kong intercepted opposing Quarterback Curtis Bourke’s first pass of the game on the second play from scrimmage.  Kong returned the ball 25 yards into the corner of the end zone for the opening score, with Ross Hubbard converting the PAT.  An uneventful first 15 minutes was played out with Ouse Valley leading by 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Colchester played their way back into the game during the second quarter and deservedly levelled when Bourke kept the ball on a triple-option play and swept into the Eagles’ endzone on a first and goal.  The half-time score was tied at 7 points apiece.

The Eagles have been a second-half team so far this season securing all three of their wins in the last two minutes of each game.  An improvement in performance was required in the second half.  Matters did not improve immediately for the Eagles with Colchester taking the lead with a second touchdown from Bourke in the 3rd quarter.  The Gladiators extended their advantage with a short run following a turnover in Eagles territory.  A lead they would not relinquish.

The Eagles did find some momentum in the fourth quarter and a sustained drive saw Quarterback Justin Laroda find returning Tight End Jack Judge for a well-timed eight yard touchdown pass.  The Eagles had the ball again as the clock was running down towards the end of the game.  The Gladiator’s defence held strong though and time expired with Ouse Valley driving.  The final score was 21-14 in favour of the home side.

Few Ouse Valley players can, in all honesty, be pleased with their performance and overall the Eagles did not match the standards set in earlier matches.  They fall to 3 wins and 1 loss but retain top spot in the table based on fewest points conceded by teams with the same percentage record.  The division promises to be a close run affair for the rest of the season as, with Ouse Valley and Farnham both losing this weekend, after four games there are no undefeated sides left.

Ouse Valley now has two weeks to prepare for two Inter Conference home fixtures back-to-back.  Farnham Knights are next up in a top-of-the-table clash on 7 June with East Kent Mavericks visiting the following Sunday.  An improvement in execution and effort will be both expected and needed against strong and experienced opposition.  We look forward to seeing you all at Bedford International Athletics Stadium for these match-ups.  Both kick-off at 12:00 Noon and the admission is £2.00 for adults.

Late comeback stuns the Cheetahs

18 Apr
Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football , , ,

Ouse Valley Eagles 14 Hertfordshire Cheetahs 12

The Eagles moved to a 2-0 with a hard fought, come from behind victory over local rivals the Hertfordshire Cheetahs in a blustery game at Bedford International Athletics Stadium on Sunday.

Trailing 12-0 going into the fourth quarter, Quarterback Justin LaRoda connected with Chris Cowley to start the comeback, and ran in a second himself from four yards out to cap a remarkable turnaround.

The Eagles won the toss and deferred, so the Cheetahs received the ball and started on their own 20-yard line thanks to a touch back.

After a couple of strong runs through the middle which resulted in a first down the Cheetahs’ drive stalled and they were forced to punt, and the Eagles started on their own 25-yard line.

The Eagles offense drove the ball well all the way down to the Cheetahs one-yard line, but fumbled the ball on first and goal to turn the ball over.

Both sides traded possessions for the rest of the first half without ever really troubling the opposition red zone, and it was no surprise to see the teams go in level at the interval.

Half time score: Eagles 0 Cheetahs 0.

The Eagles started the second half on their 20 following another touch back, but turned the ball over after going for it on fourth and short on the 29.

A defensive penalty backed the Eagles up further, and the Cheetahs ran the ball in from 10 yards to finally open the scoring, although the extra-point attempt was no good.

On the Eagles’ next possession the ball was picked off on third down to give the Cheetahs the ball on the forty-yard line, and following some strong running they were soon back in the red zone.

A 14-yard pass later and the Cheetahs had doubled their advantage but were unsuccessful with the two-point attempt, which would come back to haunt the men from Hertfordshire.

The teams again traded possessions for the rest of the third quarter, but the start of the fourth brought the Eagles to life.

Starting with the ball on their own 23, LaRoda completed four quick passes to bring the Eagles down deep in opposition territory. He connected with Cowley on a slant to reduce the deficit, and once the PAT was successfully converted the lead was cut to five.

A couple of exchanges of possession later the Eagles began again on their own 45. LaRoda and the offense drove down inside the Cheetahs five-yard line, and when LaRoad ran the ball home the Eagles lead for the first time with a little over two minutes left on the clock.

On what would turn out to be the Cheetahs’ final drive Andy Larwill sacked the Herts QB on second and seven, and when Chris Parr intercepted the ball on fourth and four with a minute to play the offense just had to kneel out the clock to seal a vital divisional win.

Final score: Eagles 14 Cheetahs 12.

Our next game is on Sunday 26th April, away to the Birmingham Bulls.

Thank you to our friends at 2G Creative for the photo.