ChichesterSharks

The Chichester Sharks will be heading to Sheffield this weekend to compete in the 2012 Flag Finals.

When I last posted news (yes I know, it has been a long time) the Sharks were 5-3 and in contention for one of the two playoff spots (Two losses to Basingstoke more or less ruled us out of grabbing the group top spot and automatic qualification).

As a lot of time has passed since then (yes, I know), here is a quick summary of how the rest of the season unfolded:

In yet another wet day in the Flag ‘Summer’ league, the Chichester Sharks secured an important victory and came very close to nabbing another.

Chichester started the day at 4-2 and realistically in the race for one of the two wildcard spots within the Southern Conference. Having lost to Basingstoke twice, it would require a number of unexpected losses by the Horde for the Sharks to claim the top spot.

That meant that games against the other wildcard contending teams – currently the Steel City Knights and the Essex Showboats – would be crucial. The first of those – against the Knights – came on a very wet day in Coventry on Saturday.

So after the Sharks managed to get dry after the opening games in Cardiff, the next set of fixtures for the 2012 BAFA Flag Season were quickly upon us, the destination Plymouth.

The Sharks set off at an ungodly hour with 9 players, 4 of which were rookies. The fixtures ahead were going to be tough.

The opening game was to be the Chichester Sharks taking on the new Plymouth Pirates team. Chichester won the toss and started the day on offense, with Neil Henderson leading the Sharks to a very quick start against the rookie Plymouth defense with multiple touchdown throws to Mike Thompson.

The Sharks defense were to close to locking down the fledgling offense of Plymouth and Justin Handley made the Pirates QB’s life hell as he intercepted 4 passes, 2 of which he ran back for TDs. The Pirates did finally manage to get into the endzone after putting together some very good drives and improved solidly throughout the day.

Fish don’t get this wet.
The start of the 2012 BAFA Flag Football season was held on a day that few would associate with a SUMMER football league. Despite heavy rain and a waterlogged pitch, the Chichester Sharks, Basingstoke Zombie Horde and South Wales Warriors did battle in Cardiff last Sunday.

Flag football returned to Chichester last weekend, with the Sharks hosting the Basingstoke Zombie Horde and Peter Symonds Sabres for friendlies.

The Sharks, preparing for the 2012 season starting next month, got a chance to check out the new rookies who joined the club over the off-season. And if first impressions count, then the Sharks have strengthened their squad for the upcoming campaign.

Now’s your chance. The Chichester Sharks are in pre-season training and on the look out for new players for the 2012 season. If you follow the NFL on TV and wonder what its like to play American Football then flag amercian football with the Chichester Sharks could be right for you. We play a 5-a-side [...]

Okay, first up, yes this is a really late post – about 4 months late to be more precise. Let’s just say, it’s been busy, things got in the way. Anyway, as we’re now getting into the preseason, we best wrap up last year. Qualifying for the playoffs It was a storyline for the ages. [...]

Faced with a make or break scenario, the Chichester Sharks did not disappoint. Needing two wins against two table-topping foes, the Sharks went toe-to-toe with one and romped over the other. With two wins under their belt, Chichester are now back in the playoff hunt. Having collapsed in last month’s match-ups against Coventry Jets and [...]

For those interested in the numbers, the 2011 player statistics have been updated to reflect all four games of the season to date. Neil has started strong with a 5/1 TD/INT ratio. Adding to the points, his extra point conversion precentage is at an all time high of 71% (previous best 61% in 2010). Justin [...]

The 350 mile round trip to Llanharan in Wales to play two top teams was never going to be easy. Nor was travelling with only 6 available players. Warming up in a gravel car park was a little unexpected too.

That said, the Sharks fought hard, beating the Basingstoke Zombie Horde 53 – 31 in the opening match, before succumbing to the South Wales Warriors 48 – 25. Given the calibre of teams, a 1-1 result on the day was a positive.