BAFA Promotion Game

BAFA Promotion Game
16th September 2018

On Sunday we made the short journey to Manchester to play at Belle Vue Speedway Stadium in a promotion game against Leeds Samurai. But first, a warm up game to play against Chichester Sharks.

The Chichester game was what it was supposed to be - a warm up game, the boys went in wanting to win but not wanting to push themselves too much and risk injury before the Leeds game. As soon as the game started as did the rain. The first half the Revs were on a roll with the offense scoring 3 touchdowns from Jake Shaw and Danny Meir and the defense making sure the Sharks didn’t get a look in. But with the rain getting heavier in the second half you could tell both teams were just ready to find somewhere dry. The Revs scored another 2 touchdowns from Matt Anderson and Daryl Thomas. The Sharks managed to mount a late charge but it wasn’t enough as Lewis Jaundrell took a knee to end the game. The Revs won the game 33-13.

After the Sharks game there were a few hours to wait until the Leeds game so it gave the team chance to find somewhere to stay dry, dry off their kit and discuss the big game.

We started with the ball first but it wasn’t the drive we were hoping to start with not making many yards and Lewis Jaundrell throwing and interception and Leeds scoring on their opening drive and making the extra point. Our offense still couldn’t score as we saw another drive stall but our defense were pulling out some big stops with tackles from Richard Keates and Calvin Strong. Just before halftime we were in the Samurai’s half, Jack Barton tipped the ball as he challenged the Leeds player in the air, Danny Meir caught it for what we thought was a touchdown but the ref chalked it off for illegal contact. Fortunately with the very next throw, 10 yards further back of course, Lewis Jaundrell found Jack Barton who caught it in the end zone and we were finally up and running. Matt Anderson got the PAT and we went into half time 7-7. In the second half the Revs were on the front foot with Jake Shaw getting the first touchdown of the half with a well executed play that saw him wide open in the end zone. Our defense would again keep Leeds out with some great pressure on their quarterback from Nick Logan and Jamie Lyness and even Adam Gray getting an interception. With our offense back on the field Lewis Jaundrell connected with Jake Shaw and Daryl Thomas to get us into the Leeds half before Matt Anderson scored the next touchdown and got the extra point too. Leeds managed to score on their next drive with just minutes to go in the game with the game momentum shifting in their favour when our offense got on the field they struggled to get into the Leeds half. With 2 minutes left on the clock Leeds looked likely to even the game up, as they were just 1 yard away from the Revs end zone on 2nd down. The Leeds quarterback took the snap and with some pressure from Nick Logan he threw the ball to Jake Shaw. Interception! The game finished 27-13 and the Revs are heading to the Premier Division.

WHAT. A. DAY!

We knew the game against Leeds wouldn’t be an easy one having played them the week before in the Outlaw Flag League and it wasn’t. Everyone at Revs HQ want to say a huge congratulations to each member of the Revs for all the hard work you’ve put in this season to get us into the Prem. Commiserations to Leeds Samurai, thanks for a great game, good luck in Div 1 and we’re sure it won’t be long before you’re back playing in the Prem.

Quote from Jake Shaw

1 TD, 1 PAT, 1 Pick 6,1 PD, 3 Tackles.

"The promotion game was an unreal feeling! It had been hanging over our heads for so long that when it came to game day, the nerves were clear to see! I think that is what contributed to it being such a tight game. When we were two scores up with minutes left on the clock we thought we had it in the bag but credit to Leeds they kept fighting and somehow managed to get on our 1 yard line with 3 shots to tie the game and 30 seconds to do it! I think when Kyle threw that ball to my zone I caught it first and foremost but then the adrenalin kicked in and I just started pumping! The only thing I could see was our entire offense running down with me down the sideline. There was so much adrenaline pumping through us all that even Lewis managed to keep up with everyone!

I think to win in the game like that was incredible and it was one of the best sporting moments I've ever experienced. It took a good few hours before it even hit home that we'd done it."

Quote from Lewis Jaundrell

21 Points, 181 Yards, 3 Pass TD,1 Pass Interception.

"This team has achieved so much in such a short period of time which makes me so proud to be a part of!

Finishing our first regular season 12-1 whilst having no playing experience prior is testament to the teams efforts over the last 12 month's.

We've had a great start to life in flag reaching 5 finals but winning promotion in the manner we did was a fitting way to cap off a tremendous debut season"

Quote from Danny Meir

51 Yards, 1 TD chalked off because of Jack Barton,1 Tackle.

"I'm extremely proud of what the team have achieved in their first year in the national league. It was a nervy start for both sides of the ball as we were staring down the face of a two score deficit early on. The lads showed real determination to get back into the game and kick on in the second half and seal the victory.

We've come a long way since running around with socks down our shorts on Forest Park and it's a huge honour to have been part of that transformation into a national premier league team."

Special Message from Mel

846 Photos Taken,1 Proud Momma.

"I did not enjoy that nervy start but what a game. To comeback after that start and win it was just amazing and shows just how far you've come as a team. The whole day is up there with one of my favourites, I'd even say in my top 3.

I'm so proud of the lot of you. And I cannot wait to see you tear it up in the prem. I'll be there camera and all."