Chichester Now the Team to Beat

6th July 2003

In an exciting day of action-packed senior flag football, the Chichester Sharks defeated a weary Leicester Eagles side 25-6 to claim the first Annual Independence Day Open at Rumney Rugby Club, Cardiff.

Out of nine registered teams, only the Derby Braves, Jail Birds, Chichester Sharks and North Devon Dogs A were left to contend in the semi-finals. Duncan’s Cows, North Devon B, Kent Exiles, and the Gwent Gwieagles were relegated to spectators after the qualifying rounds. However, injuries forced the Jail Birds to withdraw, opening the door for the Eagles, who seized the opportunity by upsetting the number-one seeded Derby squad 21-13.

Unfortunately, Leicester were clearly feeling the toll of their upset win over Derby in the semi-finals, as the substitute-rich Sharks were able to score almost at will with a deadly mix of a powerful air attack and an unforgiving defense that held the Eagles to a single TD.

Full marks to Duncan’s Cows, who spent as much time at the bar as they did on the pitch and who, for lack of a better phrase, ‘kept it real’. Nice one, lads.