The Ouse Valley Eagles confirmed their place in the quarter finals of the National League on Sunday, with a win against a good Bury Saints side.
Both teams fielded weakened sides for this match, in what is the height of the holiday season in the UK, however it was the Eagles strength in depth that seen them through a tough fixture.
The Eagles started strong, with a good drive (on an extremely short field), finishing with #8 Stuart Franklin sneaking home from 3 yards out. Vasco Dias converted the kick to make the score 7-0.
The Saints then started with the ball on their own 20, and some rather controversial calls for the home side allowed them to advance for the first down, before finally having to put the ball away. However, it wasn’t long before they got the ball back, as a quick three and out from the Eagles offense put the D back on the field.
Once again, the Saints moved the ball in fits and starts, with some extremely weird and wonderful offensive formations that had even the officials scratching their heads if they we legal or not. 6 plays later the Saints punted the ball back Eagles.
The Eagles O started up once again, driving all the way to the Saints 15 before finally being stopped and kicking the field goal. Vasco Dias added the 3 points taking the score to 10-0.
It didn’t stay that way for long though, 3 plays after the kickoff the Saints broke off a long run after escaping 2 or 3 tacklers, and took the ball to house. The 2 Point conversion was just out of reach of the defender, making the score 10-6 at the end of the first period.
The Eagles started the second half hot, with both Kalaba ‘Kase’ Chibwe and rookie Zak Henry carrying the load, with Henry scoring his first ever touchdown on a 5 yard scamper into the end zone. Vasco Dias kicked the extra point and the Eagles extended their lead, 17-6.
As usual, the Eagles defense was strong, and got the Offense the ball back quickly, who quickly converted that possession into points, with Rick Price bowling people over on his way to six points. The PAT was no good and the Eagles moved further ahead, 23-6.
With Half time looming, it seemed a few Eagles players had taken a break a bit early, and Bury ran home their second touchdown of the day just before halftime. The PAT was good and the Eagles went into the break 23-12 up.
The Eagles special teams kicked into gear on the opening kickoff, with Chris Parr returning the full length of the field for an 80 yard kickoff return. The Eagles Offense wanted to get moving after a long first half and half time, and completed the 2 Point attempt, moving the score line to 29-13.
A few drives later, the Saints scored again, on a broken play, the QB made a short shovel pass as he was getting sacked, the Saints RB then took the ball all the way home, as he took off down the sideline. The 2 PAT was good, and brought Saints close again, with the score now 29-20.
Then it turned into the Kase Chibwe show, with #48 gaining both the hard yards and then breaking to the outside on a long run for the 6 points. #8 Franklin converted the following 2 points and the Eagles pulled away, 37-20.
Following another Chris Parr interception, #48 Chibwe took over again, behind a strong Eagles OL, and buried the Saints with another TD late in the game. The fumbled snap on the PAT meant Kicker Dale Hawes had to try and throw and pass, and that wasn’t a good situation for anyone, so the PAT attempt was missed.
The Final score was 43-20.
Head Coach Will White had the following to say “I can’t say enough about the team, how everyone has come together over the last few weeks. We are truly becoming a family. We have 2 weeks now to get prepared for the playoffs, we will be ready come the 24th August!”
With that win the Eagles have now guaranteed themselves a place in the quarter finals in their inaugural season.
The opposition hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it is very likely we will be playing Solent Thrashers, in Southampton, on 24th August. We will confirm this fixture as soon as the season has ended.
Picture courtesy of John Davis.
