Due to illness, the Banshees away game at the Cornish Sharks, scheduled for Sunday 4th July, has had to be postponed.
Practice as normal on Sunday!!
BANSHEES PUT A "TICK" IN THE WIN COLUMN.
The eagerly anticipated clash between the Banshees and Sharks took place at Plock Court on Sunday. It was a meeting of the basement dwellers of the SW DIV.2 and the winner would be out of the cellar and heading for some light.
The first quarter ended scoreless with both sides probing for an opening but with no success.
The game burst into life midway throughthe second as the Banshees, through a concentrated effort from a fired up defense, put the offense in good field position. The resulting drive bore fruit in the shape of Arron Leese going over in the corner for a TD - the ensuing two point conversion was voted void by the officials 2-1.
Not to be detered by this hiccup - after a small period of pressure from the Sharks offense, breaking down on 4th and long with the visitors having to punt, the Banshees took to the field and with 12 seconds remaining in the half, were promptly rewarded by a seering run from veteran Brian Myers that saw him bursting through for a timely score. The extra two point attempt was good this time. The whistle blew for the end of the half with the Banshees ahead for the first time this season by 14 -0.
As seems to be the case with the Banshees this year, the third quarter was a period of errors. Although they were ahead by two scores, the game was definitely not over. BUT,on a big drive from the Sharks offense, a wayward passby their QB was intercepted by rookie Stephen Kirk who gleefully ran it back into thevisitors end zone for a crucial score, with another two point conversion being successful, the score now stood at 22 - 0 in favour of the Banshees.
Towards the end of the third period, the Banshees commited some very basic errors and from one of these, the Sharks ran in for a well deserved score, bringing them back into the game with the final period still to come.
The fourth proved to be a battle to gain good field position by the Sharks. Unfortunately, for them, Shaun Griffin didn't quite agree with their plans and proceeded to take the Sharks defense apart with some scintillating runs, cumulating in going over himself for a TD.
The final whistle signalled the end of the game with the Banshees coming away winners by 28 - 6.
Asked for his comments on this FIRST WIN, Head Coach Myers said "The Team took some positive steps both on and off the field to-day. The win was a truly nice feeling, it has been a long time coming. A lot of people have worked very hard to get to this point. Now the real test for this team as a unit is how they will react on and off the field in future games. BUT for now I hope we are heading in the right direction".
MVPs for the day - on Offense - THE WHOLE OFFENSIVE LINE.....on Defense - No.54 PHIL HANSON
THE LOSING STREAK CONTINUES.
The anticipation of taking on the Hampshire Thrashers in their own back yard and coming away with a result, melted away in the searing heat of 33c at Winchester Rugby Club, where the Gloucester Banshees succumber, once again , to the wrong end of a 36-6 scoreline.
Everything started off well, with the visitors showing so much fire in their bellies, sadly missing from the previous encounter a few weeks earlie in Gloucester.
Even though going behind to an early TD - the situation looked good as the point after was well blocked. After sustained pressure from the Offense,the Banshees slowly were getting the upper hand. From deep in their own half, a pinpoint pass from young QB James Walter found rookie Arron Leese who set off on a mercurial run, outstripping the home defense before going over in the corner for an excellent TD. The attempt at a two point conversion was unsuccessful.
There was no further scoring from either side and the half time tally stood at 6-6 - giving rise to that buzz of anticipation of pulling this one off.
Unfortunately, within minutes of the start of the third period the "buzz" disappeared! The Thrashers went over for a TD plus a two point conversion to give the lead 14-6. Heads went down and from there on in a combination of interceptions/indiscipline and it must be said some outlandish calls from the officials put paid to any recovery from the Banshees. The Thrashers went further ahead with a brace of scores in the third period and a last TD in the fourth put that final nail in the visitors coffin.
Out of the ashes of defeat did emerge a couple of stars - MVP for the (Off) No.24 ARRON LEESE and MVP for the (Def) 60 ANDY MEADE.
The Banshees next game is at home to the Cornish Sharks, a team also falling on hard times, having lost three games in a row. This will be a battle to see who opens their account in SW Div2 and climb out of the basement of the Conference.
Kick Off time is 2.30pm at Plock Court on Sunday 6th June - COME ALONG AND CHEER ON THE BANSHEES as they endeavour to break their "duck".
Banshese's personnel - Away to Thrashers Sunday 23rd May
For those players, admin and coaching staff travelling by coach. The coach leaves the Tennis Center at 09:45 sharp. Be there well before the departure time!
The coach fee is our normal £10.00. Note that we are expecting a full bus so no non-Banshees staff can be taken.
For ALL personnel travelling independently - Tell Coach Myers as soon as possible.
If any-one is unable to get to the game, let Coach Myers know.
See you Sunday.
75 is back!
The number 75 shirt, "retired" at the end of last season after more than two decades of service, has come out of retirement in answer to the call to arms for the Banshees cause.
Jason King, will be donning his beloved 75 Banshees Shirt for the remainder of the 2010 BAFA Season. This news will most surely put chill into the hearts of many an opposing Offense or Defense.
Anyone who has come up against this whirlwind of the Gridiron know just how hard he punishes those who make the minutest of errors on the line. He is the original HARD NOSED hitter and there doesn't seem the remotest possibility of him hanging up his "armour" in the near future.
Welcome back Jason !!
Sunday 9th May - Gloucester Banshees v Hampshire Thrashers
The Banshees entertained the Thrashers hoping to break their losing streak and post a win. The visitors, with a reputation of playing hard nosed football were in no mood to come all this way and lie down. This was pretty evident in the first half as they racked up a formidable 33 points with no reply to make certain of a win on the road.
But, they were given a scare in the second half when they were pegged back time and again by the Banshees Defense. From two prolonged drives down the field, the Banshees Offense finally came good with two TDs, one each from Shaun Griffin and Craig Harris, to give some hope to the home supporters. With the score standing at 33-12 there was a period of stalemate where neither side gave up any ground - BUT, in the dying minutes, the Thrashers scored from an error by the home defense, giving them the win by 41-12.
After the dust had settled over Plock Court, the coaching staff were a lot more upbeat and felt that there was a huge improvement in the performance of the Team, after the hammering they took the previous week against the Cheetahs. Head Coach Myers said "Going on the vast improvement of the Team, it won't be long before they post their first win of the season".
Banshee's MVP - #22 SEAN GRIFFIN
Sunday 2nd May - Gloucester Banshees v Watford Cheetahs
The Gloucester Banshees first outing of the season did not go according to plan as they were comprehensively beaten by the visiting Cheetahs.
The hosts had a mix of rookies and returning senior players, swelling the ranks after last year's formative efforts. There have also been two new additions to the coaching staff, Coach Ellis and Assistant Coach Wilford.
The game itself was a dull, dour affair, with little happening in the first 20 minutes, where the Banshees briefly held the upper hand.
However, the floodgates then opened and the Cheetahs, from a slow and laboured start, turned the screw and a steady stream of TDs and PATs destroyed the home team.
But the Banshees defense held the Cheetahs offense to just two TDs in the second half as they finally succumbed by 39-2.
Banshee's MVP - #81 CARL AUSTIN
THOSE GOLDEN MINUTES OF FAME
A quote from Coach Myers..........
"I hope that everyone has had a chance to see our segment on ITV. The Banshees had a chance to entertain ITV's Matthias Kurth and his brave cameraman Tim - both coming along to see what goes on in a practise, American Football style. After filming preliminaries, Matthias actually took part in some of the drills. And it must be said that this guy is pretty tough. He caught a couple of passes "in traffic", took a couple of heavy duty hits in the process and took it all in his stride.
So now, the Banshees have had their fifteen minutes of fame, in prime time TV, -BUT NOW IS THE TIME TO DO THE SAME ON THE FIELD OF PLAY, starting with the Cheetahs on Sunday.
Thank you ITV"
(We'll try and get some pictures uploaded taken by our own media man, Pete Wilson. You'll also see some of his work on Sunday's game-day programme.)
Banshees Offseason 2010
Starting Roster available
Gloucester Banshees have now published our starting roster for the 2010 season. Check out our new, improved squad - strength in depth!
It's still not too late to sign up to join the playing members of the organisation, just contact us or come along and pay a visit on Sunday afternoon. This invitation to sign on for the exciting ride also extends to volunteers to help field-side.
Chains
Without these guys the Banshees wouldn''t be able to play our home-field games! On those days they make up part of the required crew to support the Officials where they run the Chain Set and Down Marker and also act as ball-"boys". If the Banshees are unable to provide these volunteers then there is no game!
They are also at the Sunday practices helping out and praciticing their own responsibilities. Most also attend our road games where, again, they make a strong contribution to the organization on the day.
We are also on the look out for more volunteers to join the crew. If you are interested then you must be 15 or older (guys and girls are both welcome). COntact us if you want any more information.
-- and the Football Goes On
Head Coach Myers attended a meeting at Birmingham University on 20th March pertaining to the future of American Football in the UK. This was really going to be the "Final Solution". As with most meetings of this sort, many points were raised, discussed, going "round the houses" time and again - but - with no real end to the problem in hand. Would there be football in 2010 ??
With this worrying question in the minds of everyone present - up stepped a diminutive and dapper gentleman called Nigel. He proceeded to explain the facts of American Football Life to a captive audience quoting from a document in his possession. From that point the contents of the document and the manner in which it was delivered by Nigel brought our Football community together in the UK.
It is now hoped that we (ALL OF THE TEAMS INVOLVED) follow Nigel's love of the game and continue to forge ahead to a successful campaign in 2010. It is now up to BAFA to keep the momentum going.
Incidentally the working title of the new League is...........BAFA COMMUNITY LEAGUE. If anyone out there has a suitable Title in mind ( clean of course), just let us know and we'll pass the information on to the appropriate person at League HQ.
If you want to read all of the statements that have appeared over the past 2/3 weeks, drop into the BAFA link
World of Stationery sponsors a Player and Programs for 2010
"We at World of Stationery, Kings Square, Gloucester, are delighted and privileged to be a part of the BANSHEES supporting and sponsoring group. We feel it is a wonderful opportunity to encourage your Sporting Spirit that inspires young players to be part of GLOUCESTER BANSHEES American Football Team. Best wishes to all the Players, Coaches and Management Team for the coming season" - Paresh, Panna and Orin.
As well as this generous sponsorship of an extremely promising player, Paresh and World of Stationery are also printing the programmes, at no charge, for all our home games in the 2010 season.
Thanks to all at World of Stationery from the Banshees.
Player Insurance
A reminder to all our players and staff that Gloucester Banshees strongly recommend that they take out personal Sports Injury Insurance. There are a number of providers around in the market and one example can be found at www.SportsInjuryInsurance.co.uk.
BANSHEES 2010 FIXTURE LIST RELEASED
The Fixture list for the Gloucester Banshees American Football Team has finally been released by League HQ.
With a couple of new teams to play in 2010, the Banshees are looking forward to having an exciting and hopefully, successful season.
The departure of starting quarterback Derek Yenerall to Premiership outfit, Bristol Aztec, meant that the outlook for the upcoming campaign did not look too good.
However, with the influx of new players in the past weeks, including a seasoned and widely experienced quarterback, optimism has returned to the gridiron at Plock Court.
The Banshees are training hard in preparation for the start of their 2010 campaign on Sunday, May 2nd when the Watford Cheetahs are the visitors.
Go to the fixtures links to get full details on dates and times - for both home and away games.
The Banshees honour defensive King
The first number to be retired is the 75 of Jason King who's contribution to the team was honored at the end of year awards. 75 has been scaring the living daylights out of players up and down the country for over 20 years. Jason is hanging up his cleats to concentrate on coaching with the team. We hope Jason will remain with the team for many years to come.
Shaun Griffin takes home the silverware ... most of it anyway
The Griffin boys, Shaun and son Luke. Luke took home the Banshees number one fan award, good job Luke was on hand to help dad carry all the silverware home.
Banshees end of season playing awards
Defensive Rookie Player of the Year - Lewis Chapman/Jim Wilford
Offensive Rookie Player of the Year - Guy Sampson
Defensive player of the year - Charlie Gray
Offensive player of the year - Shaun Griffin
Players' player of the year - Shaun Griffin
Overall team MVP (The Aspire Trophy) - Shaun Griffin
The Gloucester Banshees resume practice from 10th January 2010 any players wishing to apply
should contact Head Coach Maurice Myers at coach@gloucesterbanshees.com
with information on
playing experience and stats if possible.
Provisional practice times for 2010 season, Sunday 13:00 Wednesday 18:00_378" value="" /> at Oxstalls Tennis Centre in
Gloucester.
Beginners more than welcome, bring along some old warm training gear
and (non-metal) studs.
Want to get involved?
Gloucester Banshees are interested in additions to our playing squad.
Offense, Defense, Experienced or Novice - all are welcome. Contact Head
Coach Myers at coach@gloucesterbanshees.com for more information.
Players must be males aged 18 or over and willing to commit significant
time and energy to learning the Banshee game. The team have great
ambitions and you can help us achieve them.
We are also interested in anyone wishing to help run the team. This
ranges from chain gang teams, ball carriers, statisticians. We are
interested in you however much time you can devote to the team. Helping
out will also act as a great way to get to know the team if you intend
to play for us.
Contact either admin@gloucesterbanshees.com or Game Day manager - gdm@gloucesterbanshees.com.
01/01/2010
NEW WEB PAGE GOES LIVE
Please send any comments to media@gloucesterbanshees.com
