The Club are delighted to announce that Neale McMaster has been named the new Head Coach of the senior team.
McMaster takes over from Interim HC Darren Hill who took the reins shortly before the start of the 2016 season, and says he is looking forward to the challenge:
I am incredibly proud and honored to be named the third Head Coach of the Eagles.
It’s a role I take with great excitement. I know the standards the club expects, I know what the goals are and I can’t wait to get started and help the club achieve those goals.
I’m taking charge of a team that for the first time is expecting to return more than 75% of its players from last year, which gives us a much better platform to start from than in previous seasons, and by focusing on culture and developing people as well as just ‘players and coaches’, I’m sure we can exceed our expectations early and be consistent in that.
Following a successful playing career in Scotland with the University of Glasgow Tigers and East Kilbride Pirates, McMaster moved south of the border in 2012 and joined the Bedfordshire Blue Raiders initially as a player, before becoming Offensive Line coach ahead of the 2013 season.
He became Chairman of the newly-formed Eagles following the merger between the Blue Raiders and Milton Keynes Pathfinders, and was named Offensive Coordinator by former Head Coach Will White.
In Neale’s three seasons as OC the Eagles posted a combined 19-11 record which included a record 75-6 win against the Ipswich Cardinals in 2014 and play-off appearances in 2014 and 2015, and he is also a part of the coaching setup with the Great Britain Lions.
As a result of his appointment as HC he will be stepping down from Chairman duties with immediate effect, with Vice Chairman Mark Chilton taking temporary charge until the AGM in November.
On his appointment, the Committee released a joint statement:
Nellie is one of brightest young coaches in the country and we look forward to working closely with him in his new role.
We would like to thank him for his efforts and dedication as Chairman, during which time we have firmly established ourselves as one of the leading Clubs in the area, and have expanded to include Flag and Youth teams.
We would also like to thank Darren Hill for his hard work as Interim Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, and wish him all the best for the future.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
The club are delighted to announce the release of our mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
The app has been developed by our friends at It’s Just About, and enables you to receive the latest updates from the club directly on your device.
This means you can keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and calendar events, and access all of our social media channels from one easy to use location.
You will also be able to receive alerts to notify you of any breaking news or score updates from games as they happen.
Ouse Valley Eagles American Football Club, currently based in Bedford, are looking to appoint a new Head Coach to lead the Senior Team and continue to push the club forwards.
The Eagles were formed ahead of the 2014 season following a merger of the Milton Keynes Pathfinders and Bedfordshire Blue Raiders, and were promoted from Division 2 to Division 1 (now the MFC1) at the end of our first season.
We have made the play-offs twice in the last three seasons, and aspire to build a team and brand capable of not only competing in the Premier Division, but to create a sustainable program that competes perennially and develops the game in our region, which includes Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.
The Role
As Head Coach of our Senior Team, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of the pre-season programme, working with our existing group of coaches.
The Head Coach will also be expected to take on a role as a positional coach, be responsible for the appointment and development of new coaches, and will collaborate with the Club Committee on all matters impacting on-field activities.
Player retention, recruitment and development is central to the role, and as such you will be expected to work alongside Youth Team coaches in order to facilitate the transition of youth players into the adult program, demonstrating and promoting the values of the Club at all levels.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will hold a Level 2 BAFCA Coaching Qualification in American Football (Level 1 essential) and have previous experience either as a Head Coach or Coordinator.
They will be available for all pre-season activities (including pre-season camps), in-season practices and games, will have a forward-thinking approach to American Football, a positive attitude, a passion for developing talent and be able to use video analysis tools (i.e. HUDL/Krossover).
We wish applicants to be upfront concerning their current and future coaching commitments and/or involvement with any University teams.
Application Process
Shortlisted candidates will be requested to interview for the role by the current Committee. When attending the interview, candidates will be expected to bring the following:
• Proof of coaching qualifications
• Year 1 Programme Plan
• 3-Year Development Plan
• List of potential coaching staff candidates to work with
To apply for this voluntary position or enquire further, please contact Vice Chairman Mark Chilton via mark.chilton@oveagles.com before 5pm on Wednesday 31st August 2016. All correspondence will be treated in confidence.
The Committee would like to sincerely thank Darren Hill for his efforts since stepping in as Interim Head Coach shortly before the start of the season.
The date for applications have now passed. Thank you to everyone who has shown an interest in the role, we will be in touch with shortlisted candidates to arrange interviews shortly.
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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The Eagles’ fourth and final home game of the 2016 season takes place this Sunday as we welcome the Doncaster Mustangs to Bedford International Athletics Stadium in the Midlands Football Conference (12pm).
TThe Mustangs were formed in 2002 by Mark Blyth, Doug McLean and James Berry, who had grown tired of driving to Merseyside to coach and play for the Nighthawks each weekend.
In the team’s second year they won the BAFL Division 2 title following an undefeated season which culminated in a 32-13 win over the Chiltern (now Hertfordshire) Cheetahs at the Don Valley Stadium in the bowl game.
The team made it back to the play-offs in 2005, and in 2007 moved to the newly-opened Keepmoat Stadium.
After three seasons in the Premier Division North between 2012 and 2014 where they posted successive records of 6-3-1, 6-4 and 0-9, the Mustangs were relegated to the restructured Northern Football Conference 1.
Last season the Mustangs went 4-6 to finish eighth in NFC 1, which included a strong finish to the campaign that saw them win their last three games.
Their first game of the season was the 13-12 defeat against the Eagles on 17th April, and they picked up their first win two weeks later against the Birmingham Bulls (20-13).
Since then they beat the impressive Sandwell Steelers 6-3, lost at the Nottingham Caesars (16-12) before getting their revenge at home (36-19).
In their last two games they completed the double over the Bulls thanks to a convincing 30-12 win at the Keepmoat, but in their last game went down 48-0 away to the Steelers.
After Peterborough pulled out of the league Sunday is the Mustangs’ last game of the season, and a win should be good enough to secure a play-off place.
The Eagles will be without Kevin Kong, Miguel Alvarez-Frias, Nathaniel Ashby and Oliver Lattimer, as well as long-term injury victims defensive back Vasco Dias (knee), offensive lineman James Busby (leg) and defensive lineman Anthony Ogunleye (shoulder).
In this week’s Programme
This week’s programme cover features Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster.
Inside we hear from McMaster, Interim Head Coach Darren Hill and Rookie of the Week Nathan Spencer.
We also have a feature on our visitors the Doncaster Mustangs, a Spectator Guide and more.
The programme is free with admission (£2 each for adults or free for under-18s).
Directions
Our home games are played at Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SB.
The Bedford River Festival is taking place this weekend which means there may be some road closures in place around the Embankment, so please ensure you leave extra time to get to BIAS for the game:
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
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.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
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:
