BSFL Champions Trounce Team England

15th February 2003

The Leicester Eagles travelled to Derby to play Team England in a 9-on-9 flag American football match. The game was part of Team England’s preparations for the senior Flag American Football World Championships that are being held in the Bahamas this month.

Team England started with the ball and immediately found themselves in trouble as, on their first play, Eagles defensive end Rich Beet sacked QB Austin Bradshaw for a loss. Things went from bad to worse for Team England, as on their second play from scrimmage Beet tackled the running back in the end zone for a safety and a 2 – 0 Eagles lead. However, the Eagles offensive were unable to capitalise, even after strong running from rookie back Mike Turner took them into scoring range, and turned the ball over on downs.

The Eagles defense did not allow Team England to settle on the ball and both James Hossack and Andrew Gambrill nearly picked off passes for the Eagles. After forcing a punt, the Eagles offense took over at midfield and QB Chris Wild found TE James Pimperton in the open and the former GB International jinxed his way passed two Team England defenders for a touchdown. Wild found WR James Hossack for the extra point and the Eagles led 9 – 0.

Team England failed to move the ball on their next possession and Wild hooked up with Pimperton again with the TE racing down the sideline to score his second TD of the game. The extra point conversion failed and the Eagles led 15 – 0 at half-time.

The second half was more of a defensive battle with the conditions getting the better of both teams. QB John Pimperton was able to move the Eagles down field but the offense failed to convert on crucial fourth down situations. The only score of the half came when the Eagles’ Craig Broughton found WR Nick Burt in the end zone for a score and a 21 – 0 Eagles lead.

Team England had a glimmer of hope when DB Andre Clarke (ironically a Leicester player) picked off a deflected pass and they managed to drive down to the Eagles 6 yard line but a Broughton interception stopped them on fourth down and the Eagles were able to run out the clock for a 21 – 00 win.