Time to be taken seriously

The first season for Carnegie American Football draws to a close and what a first season it has been with six victories and just one defeat putting them in 2nd place in the league and a playoff place in their grasp.

Carnegie's remaining fixture sees them pitted against long-established and former title winners, Sheffield University's Sheffield Sabre's, a game postponed at Christmas due to the adverse weather. A win in Sheffield will confirm their place in the playoffs and a chance for promotion to league 1.

Commenting on that prospect Club Captain James Perry said: "You can't ask for a better incentive and we've been told as well that if we do make playoffs we'll be the first association team in BUAFL history to get through to playoff football in our inaugural season."

Carnegie's one defeat of the season came against bitter Varsity rivals and long established BUAFL team The Leeds Celtics in the first ever encounter between the two teams. However Carnegie can take some comfort in the knowledge that victory against Sheffield will see them finish above our city rivals.

Reflecting on this low point Club Treasurer and Chairman elect, Matt Buckley said: "Obviously nothing's going to make up for getting beat by Leeds Celtics. Yes, we will take some pride in finishing above them but it's not as good as an actual victory against them. It means we have a goal for next season already."

Reviewing the season they've had Matt commented: "I think a lot of teams were surprised that we came out in our first season and played this hard and we were this successful. No one even remotely expected us to win six games and now we've got a chance to win a 7th and get to the playoffs."

Looking ahead James added: "We've had discussions with the coaching staff, a lot of the players who've played this season are going to be here next season and the main aim is to carry on the good record we've got and stay well established within the university."