The Eagles’ third home game of the 2016 season takes place this weekend as we welcome the Birmingham Bulls to Bedford International Athletics Stadium in the Midlands Football Conference.
The Bulls were founded in 1983 and played their first competitive games a year later.
They won their first Conference in 1985 after going 12-0 in the AFL Midlands Division, and in 1986 won their first of four National Championships (1988, 1991, 1995).
The Bulls have made the play-offs 21 out of 31 times in their history – although only once since 2006 – and have been BritBowl runners up five times (1989, 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2000).
Last season they went 4-6 in Southern Football Conference 1 which included two defeats against the Eagles: 21-14 at Erin Go Bragh in April and 23-18 in the return game at BIAS in July.
They lost their season opener this year away from home against the Sandwell Steelers (18-14) on 17th April and also went down 20-13 against the Doncaster Mustangs at home two weeks later.
In their most recent game they lost 37-34 in a thriller against the Nottingham Caesars in which they lead until the closing stages. Following the Saxons forfeiting their season they have had a few weeks off to prepare for today’s game, as they look to pick up their first win of the season.
The Eagles meanwhile come into the game on the back of a 14-0 home defeat against the Steelers a fortnight ago to slip to 3-3 for the season so far, and need a win to keep alive any faint hope of a making a late charge for a play-off place.
Team News
The Eagles have no new injury concerns heading into the game, so will only be without 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 Interim Head Coach Darren Hill.
Inside we hear from Chairman Neale McMaster, Coach Hill, Offensive Captain Ross Hubbard and Rookie of the Week Joey Foggan.
We also have a feature on our visitors the Birmingham Bulls, 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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