Ouse Valley Football

CAPTAIN’S LOG | Gareth Pullen

Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Senior Football BAFANL, Eagles, Gareth Pullen

Recently we caught up with Defensive Captain and current Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen to get his thoughts on the 2016 season so far…

How has the season been for you so far and how have your preparations for it varied compared to last year?

Very good, I have been working closely with Jon Rudgard (the team’s resident strong man) and also had some outside help from a speed coach in order to develop my movement.

Developing my core lifts along with adding Olympic ones has really improved my range of movement.

Last year I didn’t really know what I was in for and made a lot of changes to how I trained throughout the season.

This year I knew what my strong points were and I knew what my weak points were, so I was able to tailor my training to suit that.

We also had weekly gym sessions, ran by John Rudgard who’s also on the O Line, they were great to teach us what we should be doing in the gym and how to train on our own.

How do you think this defense compares to last season’s?

We have a lot of new guys who ooze potential, all we need is to get them more experience and they will be the bedrock of the future.

What do you think makes you a good captain?

I believe my leadership comes from the commitment and effort I put in on and off the field.

My teammates see this and buy into the team ethos of putting the effort in off the field as well as on it.

Loving the process is what makes people successful, and I try to demonstrate that.

What do you enjoy most about playing for the Eagles?

We have a great team first structure that guys believe in.

It isn’t about one man, it is everyone in it together. We are friends on and off the field, and that makes a big difference.

Do you have any targets for the 2016 season?

Just keep building on the foundations we have set out as a team.

I really just want to keep everyone focused on this season and driving everyone to get better.

What’s your favourite football memory?

My favourite memory has to have come from this year.

After losing to an opponent, one of their guys who I’d played with in a memorial match a few years before got in touch.

He told me that my attitude had affected him positively and really helped his love of the game.

That same guy was his team’s MVP, and to know his success is linked to my passion is something I will never forget.

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ROOKIE REPORT | Matthew Greet

27 May

Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Senior Football BAFANL, Eagles, Matthew Greet, Rookie Report

Recently we caught up with rookie defensive lineman Matthew Greet to get his thoughts on life with the Eagles so far…

Name: Matthew Greet
Position: Defensive End / Linebacker
Height: 6ft
Weight: 207lbs
Hometown: St Neots, Cambridgeshire
Age: 32
Favourite NFL team: Carolina Panthers
Favourite NFL player: Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly

How did you get involved with American football?

Believe it or not it is all down to my wife, it was her that got me started watching it (she loves it and it is the only sport I can watch on TV without getting moaned at).

The more I watched and understood the more I thought about how I would like to give it a go.

I ended up coming to the games last year and watching and decided that I would come and play the next year.

Has anything taken you by surprise so far?

The whole organisation and ethos is what has surprised me the most, everyone is so committed to the team and each other.

How much time and effort goes into the practices, the drive from the coaches and senior members to make you want to live up to their standards and be the best that you can possibly be; everyone is always there to help and offer advice about how to improve and that ultimately gives you the drive and ambition that can be used on and off the field.

Joining the Eagles has made a huge positive impact on my life.

What is your favourite thing about playing for the Eagles so far?

Being a part of a team, and being a part of something that is bigger than yourself, it is the feeling and anticipation before a game and the feeling after whether it is win or lose, the camaraderie, the knocks bruises and aches and knowing that everyone else will be feeling the same on a Monday – but it is totally worth it to put on that shirt with your numbers on it.

What are your aims for the season?

I aim to get bigger, faster and stronger and cement a place in the team for myself.

So that means more effort on and off the field and trying to improve each week even if it is just by a small amount to get there.

If you had one piece of advice for anyone considering playing American Football for the first time, what would it be?

What are you waiting for? It’s good fun, stop considering it and come and have a go.

Follow the Eagles on Facebook or Twitter to find out when practice is or when the rookie days are and give it a try.

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Soaring Falcon Accountancy

26 May

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football Soaring Falcon Accountancy

The Club is delighted to announce a new partnership with Soaring Falcon Accountancy.

Soaring Falcon Accountancy is an innovative, forward thinking digital firm. Working with start ups and established businesses to help them grow. Tailor made bespoke services. Passionate about technology and accounting. Committed to business success.

For real-time up to date financials, effortless bookkeeping and paperless Accounting services get in touch!

Are you looking to work for an innovative accounting firm?
Soaring Falcon Accountancy are hiring and looking for talented individuals.
Send your cv and covering letter to hello@soaring-falcon.co.uk

As a result of the partnership with Soaring Falcon the Club have been able to purchase a number of new game balls, and we would like to thank them for their support.

Contact: 01234 834 520, Innovation Centre, Priory Business Park
Stannard Way, Bedford, MK44 3RZ

Website: www.soaring-falcon.co.uk
Twitter: @SFAccy
#soaringfalcon

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Eagles slip to third defeat of the season

24 May

Michael Dilley All News, Reports, Senior Football Alex Cross, Andy Larwill, BAFANL, Byron Chowles, Cody Hausenbuiller, Eagles, Jamahl Watson, Julian Ikeme, Ross Hubbard, Sandwell Steelers, Zach Wodaege

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.

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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PREVIEW | Sandwell Steelers (H)

19 May

Michael Dilley All News, Previews, Senior Football BAFANL, MFC1, Preview, Sandwell Steelers

The Eagles’ second home game of the 2016 season takes place this weekend as we welcome the Sandwell Steelers to BIAS in the Midlands Football Conference.

It is the second meeting between the two sides this season, after Sandwell ran out 24-6 victors last month at Tipton Academy.

Since then they have also beaten local rivals the Birmingham Bulls (18-14) and Nottingham Caesars (6-0), and last week lost for the first time so far this season, 6-3 away to the Doncaster Mustangs.

The Eagles bounced back from the opening day defeat by digging out a 13-12 win over the Mustangs, but then lost the home opener to the Nottingham Caesars a week later.

Team News

Eagles QB Zach Wodaege is fully fit for the first time this season, as is Wide Receiver Alex Smith.

Wide Receiver Kevin Vasquez makes his return from special Team America business and Running Back Richard Thompson is expected to make his debut.

On defense new signings Julian Ikeme (LB) and Mal Stevenson (DL) will also make their debuts after transferring from the London Blitz and Peterborough Saxons respectively.

Long-term injury victims Vasco Dias (DB), James Busby (OL) and Anthony Ogunleye are all out.

In this week’s Programme

This week’s programme cover features Defensive Back Chris Parr.

Inside we hear from Chairman Neale McMaster, Interim Head Coach Darren Hill, Defensive Captain Gareth Pullen and Rookie of the Week Matthew Greet.

We also have a feature on our visitors the Sandwell Steelers, 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:

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PREVIEW | Blackhawks to make BAFA debut this weekend

12 May

Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Previews Aylesbury Vale Spartans, BAFA Southeastern Conference, Bedford Blackhawks, Flag Football, Victoria Park Panthers, West Essex Showboats

The Blackhawks travel to East London this weekend for their first BAFA Flag Southeastern Conference games of the season.

The games, which take place on Saturday, are hosted by the Victoria Park Panthers and as well as the Blackhawks feature the West Essex Showboats and Aylesbury Vale Panthers.

The only previous encounter between the Blackhawks and any of the teams involved came during the Blackhawk Bowl in February, where the Spartans were victorious over the young ‘Hawks 32-0.

Wide Receivers Connor Stratford, Ryan Moulding and Ross Sherratt all make their debuts for the Blackhawks this weekend as does Cornerback Cody Hinton, and speaking on behalf of the team Jake Cooper says he can’t wait to get the season started:

Along with the rest of the squad I am itching to kick off our debut season in the BAFA Flag Leagues.

Having worked with the majority of the squad for around half a year I have a great deal of faith that this collaboration of players could in time become something incredibly special.

We have players on the roster who have natural ability in abundance, although this may not appear in the pre-season tournament scorelines.

The players have got their heads down and worked week in week out on the lessons learned during those tournaments, and although we are up against arguably the three leading teams in the division this weekend we are looking forward to the challenge.

Schedule

The first game of the day will kick off at 10am, and pairs the Blackhawks up against the hosts. The full schedule for the day is:

Victoria Park Panthers vs Bedford Blackhawks
West Essex Showboats vs Bedford Blackhawks
West Essex Showboats vs Victoria Park Panthers
Aylesbury Vale Spartans vs Bedford Blackhawks
Victoria Park Panthers vs Aylesbury Vale Spartans

Directions

The games will take place on the old section of Wanstead Flats: Harrow Road, E11 3QD:

Game Coverage

If you can’t make it to Wanstead to watch the games, we will be providing regular updates via the Blackhawks Twitter and Facebook pages.

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ROOKIE REPORT | Miguel Alvarez-Frias

10 May

Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Senior Football BAFANL, Eagles, Miguel Alvarez-Frias, Rookie Report

Recently we caught up with rookie linebacker Miguel Alvarez-Frias to get his thoughts on life with the Eagles so far…

Name: Miguel Alvarez-Frias
Position: Linebacker
Height: 5ft 8ins
Weight: 190lbs
Hometown: Soria, Spain
Age: 24
Favourite NFL team: San Francisco 49ers
Favourite NFL player: Lawrence Taylor (historical), Luke Kuechly (current)

How did you get involved with American football?

I have been following the NFL for some years and loved the sport. Last year when I was living in Shanghai, China a friend talked me into joining the University team (Tongji Strikers). I did so and loved the sport.

After moving to the UK I got in touch with the Eagles and I have been involved since November.

Has anything taken you by surprise so far?

The commitment and performance of the team. I was expecting more a participation team, however I was gratefully surprised to see the intensity and focus of training.

Although we all play to have fun and because we love the sport we train to be the best and play always 100%.

What is your favourite thing about playing for the Eagles so far?

That moment just before kick-off when you walk into the field, knowing you are ready to give everything you have, the feeling when the ball is kicked and you start running.

What is great about the Eagles is that everybody shares the same philosophy of commitment and effort, so when you are on the field you can trust the rest of the team and they can trust you.

What are your aims for the season?

As a team our goal is to win the league! For myself my objective is to continue developing my skills, getting more involved in the team, basically to become a better player and help the team.

If you had one piece of advice for anyone considering playing American Football for the first time, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to try it!

American football is a sport for everybody. Even in the NFL you have from huge 300lbs OL fellas to 5’8 receivers so definitely there is a position for you.

Coaches will guide you and teach you. In my case I cannot even tell how much I have learnt in only six months here.

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CAPTAIN’S LOG | Danny Cousins

06 May

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football Danny Cousins, Eagles

Recently we caught up with Offensive Captain and current Rookie of the Year Danny Cousins to get his thoughts on the 2016 season…

How was the off-season for you?

It was frustrating! Having injured my knee in the last game of the 2015 regular season I was unable to do any real exercise or preparation until around Christmas.

I hated turning up on Sundays and not being able to participate, however it was great to get to see everybody again after our brief break as well as get to know the new rookies and help them settle in and learn the game.

When I was able to get back on the field in the New Year it was brilliant, and the monthly camps that the coaches organised were excellent, not just because we got to spend a whole weekend playing football but we were able to bond so much as a team and the intensive sessions really helped us to learn quickly.

How have your preparations for this season varied compared to last year when you were a rookie?

My preparations have been more focused this year.

Last year I didn’t really know what I was in for and made a lot of changes to how I trained throughout the season.

This year I knew what my strong points were and I knew what my weak points were, so I was able to tailor my training to suit that.

We also had weekly gym sessions, ran by John Rudgard who’s also on the O Line, they were great to teach us what we should be doing in the gym and how to train on our own.

How do you think this offense compares to last season’s?

I think we’re in a great position this year. The camps and pre-season scrimmages have helped us immensely, getting everybody up to speed with the playbook and in particular, helping the newer guys to know what to expect on game day.

We have had quite a few changes in personnel, we’ve lost some great players and picked up some great players, so the offense certainly has a different feel about it, but we’ve progressed really well and I expect to see some great performances from us this year!

How did you feel when you were named captain?

I was delighted. It means a lot to be nominated by my team mates and I was incredibly proud.

It also seemed a bit strange to be named a captain alongside some of the more experienced guys that I did, and still do look up to within the team, but it made the honour all the greater.

What do you think makes you a good captain?

I always give 100% for the team and try to lead by example.

I’m punctual, attend all of the training sessions I’m able to make and try to get as much as I can out of them from our coaches and I try to help my team mates as much as I can.

What do you enjoy most about playing for the Eagles?

The team is incredibly well run by the committee; they do a huge amount of work in the background that keeps everything running smoothly and they give us as a team all of the resources and opportunities we need to get better and succeed.

We also have great coaches at the Eagles who have loads of experience, knowledge and put in hours of work to prepare training sessions, football camps, scout videos and on top of all of that, answer the endless questions that we bombard them.

But the bit I enjoy most is being part of the Eagles family.

Players, coaches and committee members all become a close-knit group of friends.

I enjoy the tough training sessions where we all get stuck in together, the joking and laughing shared on the team page, the coach trips to away games.

I look forward to all of that just as much as I do the games!

Do you have any targets for the 2016 season?

I want to do as much as I can to improve myself and my team mates on O Line, so we can lead the way for the rest of the offense.

Every offensive play starts with us, so I want us to be in the best position possible to help our team mates.

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Saxons game cancelled

05 May

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football BAFANL, MFC1, Peterborough Saxons

Our BAFANL Midlands Football Conference 1 game against the Peterborough Saxons has been cancelled.

The game was due to be played this Sunday (8th May) at Thorney Rugby Club, but the Saxons are unable to complete the fixture.

Any further details regarding rearrangement etc. will be announced once confirmed by BAFA.

The team will therefore now be training at Bedford International Athletics Stadium on Sunday from 10am to 1pm.

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Practice venue changed

29 Apr

Michael Dilley All News, Senior Football BAFANL, Eagles, Sandy Upper School

Due to BIAS being unavailable this weekend senior practice has been moved.

Sunday’s session will now take place on the astroturf at Sandy Upper School from 10am – 12pm, with a classroom session following until 2pm.

The full address is:

Sandy Upper School
Engayne Avenue
Sandy
SG19 1BL

The Eagles are next in action away to the Peterborough Saxons on Sunday 8th May. The game at Thorney Rugby Club kicks off at 2.30pm.

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