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American Football – Edinburgh Napier Knights v Edinburgh University Predators

February 3, 2015 9:42 pm

Knights take first win in four years

Match report courtesy of Pete Laird, ENK Head Coach

A convincing win at a sold out Meggetland Stadium allowed the Knights to reclaim their crown as Varsity Kings over their cross town rivals. The Predators were pinned deep in their opening series and threw a hasty interception into the arms of Linebacker Ethan Walsh who ran in from 23 yards out to open the scoring.

Napier began to pull away in the 2^nd Quarter with veteran Running Back Dan Flannery bursting into space to score from 30 yards out and kicker Declan McDonald slotting a long field goal between the posts to establish a 16-0 half time lead.

The Knights Defence took a hold of the game in the second half as they smothered the Predators with 5 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries and the Knights had further opportunities to stretch ahead behind the running of Flannery and Running back Ryan Strachan but two scores were called back for penalties.

Middle Linebacker Mark Allan was awarded the game MVP trophy for his dominant display on defence as the Knights walked away with the prestigious Varsity trophy for the first time in four years.

A bumper crowd enjoyed yet another successful Varsity game which is fast establishing itself as one of Scotland’s must see sporting occasions. Pre-match youth tournaments ran alongside medieval armoured displays, live bands and the Napier Panther Cheerleader team.

Head Coach and match organiser Pete Laird was delighted with the day. ‘It was a great performance and a great result. The team put so much effort into this event and it has become a real shop window for American Football in Scotland and for Napier University as a whole. I’m very grateful for all of those who help make this day possible and for the incredible support we had in the stands today. Here’s hoping for more days like this ahead’