gridiron UK

Yesterday's Kent Falcons 00-17 Essex Blades was really worked over by Storm Ciara (our trousers and underpants were still soaked through when we got back to Suffolk) so everyone involved (including us) very noble people.  Surprisingly in the surging side winds the first score was an Essex field goal though a ref observed it was two yards off target before being blown in.  Traditionally leaving Essex third years get to share a bottle of Jim Beam ... after the coaches have had a swig.

A biting East Anglian wind Sunday at Bury Saints' practice Sunday but still a very decent turn out including half a dozen spectators.  The Red Lodge pitch ... more here

Yesterday in Cambridge visitors the Cambs Pythons failed a field goal and the ARU Rhinos ran in a td but it was called back, probably for holding ... it's always holding, and so a nil nil result.  Lots of penalties including the unlikely defensive delay of game, slippery balls, a limping ball boy and an essentially good tempered match with thankfully just two game pausing non-serious injuries.

At the Bury Saintsa visiting player is sitting opposite and eating pasta in tomato sauce.  Us: Is that the vegetarian option?  Him: I hope not, I hate vegetables.

Regrettably we didn't make it to Brunel Burners at Essex Blades in Colchester yesterday.  The Blades won 18-15 which sounds close enough to have been exciting and involving.

Yesterday in the NFL playoffs Kansas City Chiefs tackle 72 Eric Fisher at 13:38 on YouTube celebrated a touchdown by pinching some spectators' beers and then not drinking them ... understandable.

Early start in Colney Lane Norwich yesterday for visitors Swansea Titans.  A perishing side wind so unsurprisingly no place kicking from either team, lots of daft penalties and both teams recovered onside kicks.  Swansea's quarterback #7 was ....more here

In Norwich yesterday UEA Pirates v Birmingham Lions was abandoned in the third quarter.

On a miserable yesterday the UEA Pirates had their first premiership win beating Hertfordshire Hurricanes 24-00.  It could have been at least 30-00 but a ... more here

Standing on a sideline in Red Lodge watching american football with a Bury Saint either side of us.  A closely pursued running back approached and we were gratified that the players either side started to move before us, we'd always felt a bit soppy running away:)  Having seen this we will now start running sooner.

The UEA Pirates knew that promotion to the premiership was going to be a leap and last Sunday for their first home game of this season they were shut out ... more here

Saturday in Norwich was women's flag american football Opal series round four.  Hosted by the Iceni Spears we were very pleased to see their numbers have grown to offence and defence plus players over but not GB defensive end Victoria Ware as she'd injured her ankle playing netball.  In contrast the Hyde Park Renegades (in white) had the just the minimal five and were devastating.

Saturday Great Britain v Russia american football live streamed on the BBC website.

It's the Ipswich Cardinals american football second come and try rookies day Sunday.

An insight into women's american football from Cheshire Bears defensive lineperson Megan Delaney.(a one time roller derbyist)  A safety (around 2:58) because the QB threw the ball out the back of the end zone.  We've seen player panic in a uni game do the same and we've done similar playing rugby <blush>.

UEA Prospects Saturday in Norwich had an impressive turnout of some 60 rookies including a woman player.  (Last season several visitors had one or ... more here

Similarly to previously cyclocross and roller derby tomorrow the Beeb is showing the Under 19s and Premiership Britbowl american football finals on their web site only.

Devastated that Great Britain women's american football last night won their match against Finland but failed to win the European Championship by two points.  Towards the end our stomachs got so tight we felt ill but gratifying that Iceni Spear Victoria Ware playing defensive end for GB made such a contribution even if Pinky and Perky the commentators couldn't get her surname right.

We were surprised and much saddened to learn that Ipswich Cardinals owner and general manager Ralph Alexander has passed away, it seemed to ... more here

Sunday it looked like it was going to be an Ipswich Cardinals walkover with two early touch downs against an outnumbered East Kent Mavericks.  Approaching the end of the first half the Mavericks recovered their own dropped ball to run it in a ... more here

Before Sunday's match (the Bury Saint's last at home this season) the referee opined that correct male (there were no ladies playing) attire for gridiron is to ... more here

Norwich Devil #25 Joe Jacobs scoring the winning touch down last weekend has prompted comment.

Nice to have the refs back yesterday for Ipswich Cardinals 21-07 East Essex Sabres.  The Cards' 21 was done the hard way with two failed point after kicks but one safety.  The Cards are away to the Norwich Devils next weekend.