Oilcats and Sabres clash in inaugural meeting in TouchdownClaymores.com Bowl
Two newly formed flag American football teams, the visiting Aberdeen Oilcats and the Glasgow Sabres, will face off against each other in Glasgow this weekend (Sunday 2nd November) at Glasgow's Bellahouston Sports Centre at 1pm.
|
The Glasgow Sabres have experience on their side having just completed their first SFFA league schedule. Team manager, Ronnie Wilson said of the Sabres development, "We've come such a long way since the summer. Starting from nothing, we've built a strong team that plays together and doesn't get down on itself, even in difficult situations.
"We've had some tough results but we recently played the Kirkcaldy Bulls, Scotland's best team by quite a margin, closer than anyone else this season coming away with a 27-39 loss decided only in the final minute. This season has shown we have the potential to be a very good side next season. We're still a new team with plenty of room for improvement. Our squad is growing all the time as we attract rookie & experienced players. We plan to field 2 senior teams in the SFFA for the 2004 season, as well as youth teams in all 3 SFFA divisions".
The Sabres will look to unleash their offensive weaponry through quarterback Dave Wark and star wide receiver Stephen Gordon, who leads the Sabres in scoring with 13 touchdowns through 8 games. This will be followed up by a steadily improving defence, which is beginning to challenge even the best teams.
The Oilcats, on the other hand, are yet to play their first competitive game having been playing for only three months. Head coach, Dave Ironside explained, "We've been ready for competitive action for a month or so now but being based in Aberdeen, it's a long trek to the nearest team which is why this is our first game. It is only fitting we play another new team formed in the same way as ourselves".
The Duthie Park side are now well supported with a healthy roster and the backing of the business community through sponsorship. Ironside commented, "The Oilcats now have a shirt sponsor in The Graham Partnership, who helped us buy team shirts and it is now up to us to play to our abilities to face up to the more experienced Sabres".
The Oilcats will be looking to establish some offensive rhythm under the leadership of quarterback Lewis Cameron, fresh out of a summer camp with the Scottish Claymores national coach Steve McCusker. Cameron will be aiming to connect with up and coming receiver Darren Henderson who has, at this early stage in his career, shown the promise and potential to play at a high level. On defense, the team will look to Ciaron Sutton, an ex Granite City Oiler for inspiration to shut down the Sabres potent offense.
The game kicks off at 1pm at Bellahouston Sports Centre in Glasgow, Sunday 2nd November.
29 Oct, 03 | 11:38 am