AMERICAN FOOTBALL
PIRATES WOMEN FINISH IN STYLE
East Kilbride Pirates’ women’s team hosted their second home Opal gameday in their history as they wrapped up their regular season in style.
Four tough losses in the past two game-days had the East Kilbride side sitting precariously at the top of the Highland North Conference, as the visiting Manchester Titans and Chorley Buccaneers were hoping to boost their own playoff chances, and potentially leapfrog the Pirates.
The day started with a bang against the Buccaneers, as Heather SpurlingMcGowan picked the Buccs off on the first drive of the game to give the Pirates a short field to work with.
The returning Aynsley Barclay cashed in with a quick drive ending in a pass over the middle to Clare Dynes for the go-ahead score.
The Pirates defense kept the Buccaneers at bay – Clare Dynes, Paige Cawley and Louise Donnelly added to the first half onslaught as EKP took a commanding lead at the half. The huge support in attendance were treated to an offensive showcase in a complete team effort, the final score was 33-6.
The Manchester Titans looked to book their ticket to the finals with a win over the Pirates, but EKP came quickly out the traps and were two scores ahead in the blink of an eye. Paige Cawley took a short pass to paydirt, while Louise Donnelly scored from short range.
The Pirates found themselves 33-7 up at halftime, and were able to give valuable game-time to all members of the playing squad in the second half.
The final score was 33-20, and the Pirates clinched the division title and the number four seed for the post-season.
The action wasn’t done for the day, as the Pirates were delighted to host the fledgling Grangemouth Fillies, who have aspirations of being an Opal Series team themselves. The game was played in great spirits, with the Pirates picking up the win.
Next up, the Pirates will be taking on the Coventry Cougars Blue in a rematch from the regular season. The quarter-final matchup will take place as the first round of the Opal Series finals tournament on Saturday, November 23 at the University of Nottingham.