Pirates start the seasonon lownote
East Kilbride Pirates began life at their new home with a disappointing display against Sheffield Giants on Sunday, losing 22-0.
The town’s American football team have moved their home games from Hamilton Rugby Club to Giffnock for the 2018 season, but their change of venue did not bring an immediate change in fortune for the Pirates after missing out on the Britbowl play-offs last season.
Wearing their new-look uniforms, Pirates fell seven points behind early on as the Giants broke the deadlock with a 19-yard touchdown from Deivydas Merkelis, which they converted.
Giants added a 25-yard field goal to take a 10-0 lead into the half-time break.
Merkelis grabbed his second touchdown in the third quarter and Alex Coper’s kick was good for the extra point, as Giants stretched their lead to 17-0.
Following on from a safety, Giants scored another field goal to complete the victory and round off the scoring.
Pirates now have a fortnight to regroup for their next league encounter and they’ll be hoping to deliver a first home win for their fans at Braidholm.
They host Scottish rivals Edinburgh Wolves on Sunday, May 6 aiming to get their season back on track. Kick-off is 2.30pm. That match is followed by a trip to Sheffield on May 13, where the Pirates will be desperate to avenge their defeat. Open dayPresident 120418ekbc_1