KNIGHTS CRASH OUT OF BUAFL PLAY OFFS

American Football Game Report

BUAFL Challenge Trophy Playoffs, Round 1

13.3.11

Edinburgh Napier Knights 0 Nottingham-Trent Renegades 43 (at the Jack Kane Centre, Edinburgh)

The Napier Knights fairy tale season came to an abrupt halt in the first round of the BUAFL Challenge Trophy playoffs.

The Knights hoped to provide yet more heroics against the travelling Renegades team but were immediately against the ropes as the opening kickoff was returned to the Knights 2yard line.

The opening score came 2 plays later as Napier scrambled to get into the game. A second score just before the half time whistle put the Knights 14-0 behind.

The second half did not provide any relief for Napier as they turned the ball over on 4 interceptions and conceded a defensive safety. Nottingham-Trent scored 4 further Touchdowns to finish the day 43-0 winners as the game proved a step too far for a depleted Knights squad.

Head Coach Pete Laird congratulated the Renegades after the game. ‘It was a tough defeat to take and well done to the visitors on a thoroughly deserved victory. However I always feel it is important not to dwell on defeats only to learn from them.

I am very proud of the lads, they have been a pleasure to coach and would like to thank them all for what has been a very enjoyable and rewarding season‘ Team Captain Jamie Charles added ‘If you had told me at the start of the year we would have gone 5-2-1 and made the playoffs I would have grabbed it with both hands, so I can’t be too down-hearted.

The plan is to come back bigger, better and stronger next year.’ The loss means the Knights season has now concluded and the focus for American Football in Edinburgh now shifts to the senior season and the Edinburgh Wolves.

REPORT AND PIC C/O EDINBURGH KNIGHTS