Clean Sweep for Sharks in Kent

Well done to all that played in our Kent matches yesterday. Everyone played really well and our 2 victories were a total team effort. Both sides of the ball dominated yesterday – we racked up 105 points and conceded just 6!

The two Kent teams were a bit of an unknown to us, and whilst new boys West Kent are obviously still learning the game, the Exiles could be a threat to teams with their squad size and experience of the kitted game.

So it was particularly pleasing that we came away with 2 victories and in such impressive fashion. Before I get into the scorers, a special mention must go to the defense yesterday. Despite the fact we were missing a few players, those that played did an outstanding job! To concede 1 TD in two 40 minute games is impressive.

There were very few missed tackles, 3 safeties against the Exiles (2 from Dave!), a sack from Tom, a great lunging tackle from Neil to save a TD (though it was from his pick!)  and 2 interceptions from Jon – who played a blinder on both sides of the ball yesterday.

Here are the scorers from each game:

vs West Kent

Neil 10 TDs – 7XP – 1XP INT

Dave 1 TD – 1XP

Jon 2 TD – 1XP – 2 INT

Toby 1 TD – 1XP

Gary 1 TD – 1XP

Sean 3 TD

Tom 2 TD – 3XP – 1 sack

vs Kent Exiles

Neil 5 TD – 2XP – 1 INT – sacked 1

Dave 2 safeties

Tom 2 TD – 1XP

Jon 1 TD

Gary 1XP

Sean 2 TD

Special mentions:

Toby on his first touchdown – great catch and run – followed up by a fantastic grab for the XP-  check the video

Jon – great hands and running – especially on his uphill slog, weaving through the Exiles, before being chased down at the 2

Sean (5 TDs) & Tom (4 TDs) – great performances as starting receivers

Ricardo – welcome to the Sharks – a great defensive performance, strong tackling and command in the huddle

Here is the report sent to the paper:

Clean Sweep in Kent

 

The Chichester Sharks travelled east on Sunday to take on the Kent Exiles and West Kent Wing Dings in the BAFL Flag league.

 

Chichester Sharks 67 – 0 West Kent

 

West Kent’s lack of experience was evident from the outset, as Chichester racked up 3 quick scores from QB Neil Henderson to Tom Newbery (2) and Sean Wasley to dominate the first half, entering the break with a commanding 20-0 lead.

 

Eager to capitalise on their lead, the Sharks came out firing in the 2^nd half, notching up touchdowns from Wasley, Dave Lee and Toby Chopra. 41-0 down and desperate to get back in the game, West Kent started forcing passes in a valiant effort to respond. Things got worse, however, as Chichester’s Jon Steele-Mills intercepted an errant pass, his 2^nd of the day, to snuff out any chance of a West Kent comeback.

 

With the game in hand, the Sharks closed out the scoring with 2 long scores from Gary Robinson and Steele-Mills.

 

Chichester Sharks 38 – 6 Kent Exiles

 

With a more experienced opponent in the Exiles, Chichester were prepared for a tough 2^nd game.  Kent moved the ball well on their opening drive, but a great effort by the Sharks defense stopped the Exiles short of the goal line.

 

Eager for a quick score, Henderson spread the ball amongst his receivers, hitting Robinson and Steele-Mills for gains before finding Wasley in the corner of the endzone. The Exiles hit back immediately, with their QB throwing a long bomb to the 2-yard line, before a short shovel pass into the endzone for the score.

 

Keen to open up a gap on their opponents, the Sharks put together 2 scoring drives to enter the half leading 23-6.

 

Wary of Kent’s big play potential, the Sharks defence stiffened in the 2^nd half and stopped the Exiles short each drive. Capitalising on the defense’s stellar play, the offense sealed the game with touchdowns to Newbery and Steele-Mills.

 

Sharks’ next games: May 11^th vs North Devon, vs St Albans

 

Film highlights of Sunday’s game, can be viewed online at www.chichestersharks.co.uk. Contact info@chichestersharks.co.uk if you’re interested in playing.

The only downside to the day was the lack of respect from the Exiles management, deciding to send players a couple of hours late, which resulted in them forfeiting the game against the Wing Dings.

Anyway, as usual, please add your comments below – let us know your highlights (not my juggling catch) .

The video of the game will be added later, but for now here is our team photo (not the one going in the paper…):

THE FIGHTING RABBITS OF CHICHESTER!