BUAFL 2011/12 National Championship Game
Hertfordshire overpower the Birmingham in Championship Title match
The Hurricanes won the coin toss and elected to receive. The opening kickoff was kicked out of bounds which meant the offence started at their 40. An uneventful drive led to a short punt by Rivera which was downed just inside the lions half. A couple of runs and short passes led the lions down the field. Dan Conroy converted a short fourth down which led to a long pass from Jonny Glover to Ben Brown who was pushed out at the two. Two plays later Glover connected with his receiver in the flat to bring up the first score. The PAT was no good.
Hertfordshire Hurricanes 0 – 6 Birmingham Lions
University of Hertfordshire -v- University of Loughborough
The Hertfordshire Hurricanes welcomed the Loughborough Aces for the 2011/12 BUAFL National Championship semi-final.
This was to be the toughest game of the season as the Aces managed to hold the Hurricanes to their lowest score of the season with a 24 - 13 victory over a touch Aces team.
Full game report to follow.
University of Hertfordshire -v- University of Cardiff
Hurricanes continue to dominate in BUAFL Quarter-final
After being crowned champions of the SEC, the 8-and-0 Hertfordshire Hurricanes had been preparing mentally and physically – both on and off the field – for their Quarter Final match-up against the 6-and-2 Cardiff Cobras. After criticising the Hurricanes’ alleged lack of any real divisional competition, the pundits had claimed that this would be the team’s toughest game so far this season, but were they right?
Hertfordshire began the game with Dominic Husbands letting rip a scorching kick that was fielded just outside the Cobras’ end zone, around the five yard line. Hertfordshire’s formidable defense swept across the pitch and surrounded the Cobras’ returner as he approached the fifteen yard line, leaving him nowhere to run except into the arms of George Gower whose python-like grip brought the returner down instantly.
University of Hertfordshire Tornadoes - Women’s 5 on 5
The University of Hertfordshire is already home to the very successful American Football team, the Hertfordshire Hurricanes, and with the idea being encouraged by BUAFL (The British Universities American Football League) the University is participating in a pilot scheme to start a Women’s 5 on 5 team.
The women, from rugby players to the Hurricanes’ very own cheerleaders, have already dubbed themselves the Hertfordshire Tornadoes. As a further incentive, the team has been awarded one of three Kick Start Women’s 5 on 5 £1000 grants by BAFA (The British American Football Association) to support the development of the team.
The pilot scheme has taken its first step by establishing teams across Britain. Beginning with Women’s 5 on 5 Flag Football, non-contact, and in future looks to develop these teams into a full-contact sport, holding tournaments during the spring/summer term with the first National Flag Championships to be held the coming summer term 2012.
University of Hertfordshire -v- University of Brighton
The Hurricanes maintained their dominance of the South Eastern Conference with a 54 - 7 victory at home over the Brighton Tsunami.
Full match report to follow.
Women's 5 on 5 Flag Football Tournament at Bristol Downs
Hertfordshire Tornadoes v. Warwick Wolverines
Final Score: 12 - 18
It's mixed feelings as the Tornadoes head into their first competitive match against a flag football team that's been playing since late 2010. After only 8 weeks training the nerves and excitement start to kick in, along with some general aggression looking for an outlet, which unfortunately had to be held back for now at least...
After the first whistle is blown it's a shaky start for the Tornadoes, shuffling into a defensive formation, unaware of what to expect as the Wolverines opening play opts to rely largely on misdirection as they run a reverse running play. This pays off greatly for them as they make precious yards on the Tornadoes and throughout the game repeat this play while the Tornadoes initial coverage fails to stop their running back quick enough. It becomes apparent during the game that the Wolverines did not favour their passing game as their quarterback throws for an easy pick as the Tornadoes free safety, Emma Cox, makes the interception just before being tackled, turning over possession and then goes onto scoring the Tornadoes first touchdown on the next play as a receiver. The PAT is no good but the Tornadoes are back in the game and confidence starts to build in the team.
University of Hertfordshire -v- University of Greenwich
Hurricanes make it seven out of seven
After a pre-game pep talk with Head Coach, Jim Messenger, the Hertfordshire Hurricanes marched out to the field with one goal in their minds; securing their next victory. If they could overcome the Greenwich Mariners, they would be crowned champions of the SEC and earn themselves a guaranteed play-off spot.
The game started off in an unusual fashion with second row defender, Micah Ricketts, returning the ball for just a short gain after the Mariners botched the opening kick. Ricketts was able to advance about five yards up field before being taken down in a gang tackle.
Undeterred by the Hurricanes’ recent success, the Mariners came out with fighting spirit, but could not stop the offense racking up 18 yards on the first two plays. Temi Oduyemi of the ‘canes saw his power-house running go to waste as Joe Thompson threw his first pick of the day on the very next play.
University of Hertfordshire -v- University of Essex
Hurricane force turns up the pressure
University of Hertfordshire Hurricanes 51, University of Essex Blades 0
The University of Essex Blades were the latest victims to feel the relentless strength of the Hurricane force blowing from the University of Hertfordshire in the British Universities American Football League.
Whilst the Hurricane's offense again proved an unstoppable force, the defense provided the immovable object by recording their second clean-sheet of the season with a dominating performance.
