Chorley Buccaneers: Welcome
We have 4 age groups, these are:
Cadet Flag - 7's - 11's
Junior Flag - 11's - 15's
Youth Flag - 14's - 18's
Junior Kitted - 14's - 16's
All of our teams are 5 v 5 and compete up and down England at a competitve club level. We have also had so far 4 players selected to play for Great Britain and 8 players selected to play for England.
We are always on the lookout for new players, people to help out at the club, and new sponsors. If you're interested in either playing or would like to get involved with the club then get in touch with Club Manager Ian Nicolson at ian@chorleybuccaneers.com or 07787 530748
Monday, September 14
On Sunday 13th September, 6 of the Buccaneers had trials for the Great Britain Lions Flag set up. Rachel Hull for the Youth team and Derry Holt, Matt Holt, Arron Taylor, Jonny Tickle and Will Powley all tried out for a place in the Junior team. All 6 players had a great day and gave it their all, doing both themselves and their club proud.However only 3 of the 6 candidates got selected for the Squads though, Rachel Hull got selected for the youth to make it her second time for being selected for the National Squad. Matt Holt and Jonny Tickle were selected for Junior team to make it their first National appearance for the Lions and also another two names to add to the list of Bucs that have made the National Squad.Derry Holt and Will Powley unfortunately did not make the squad but gave a great account of themselves both on Offence and Defence. Arron Taylor also missed out on being selected but had an awesome day at QB not really faltering once but unfortunately came up against very strong competition.As well as all the players being involved in the camp, Chorley Buccaneers Club Manager and Junior Kitted Head Coach Ian Nicolson was also on board the coaching staff as the Junior Flag Defensive Coordinator, making it an impressive 5 out of 5 campaigns for him since 2003."Today was a great day for the Bucs with every candidate from our club doing themselves and the club proud. It is always hard to be a national coach and see some of your own players not get selected and see them upset but they should all be very proud of themselves for how they did today, as I know that I am proud of them all." Coach Nicolson said.The Lions will be competing against Mo' Steele Flag Football team on Sunday 4th October. Mo' Steele are one of the best flag football teams in the world and this will be a great experience for the 3 Bucs that have been selected.This now puts the total number of Buccaneers that have been selected for their Country up to 6 players not including those that have been selected more than once.
Sunday, September 6
On Saturday 5th September the Bucs Cadet Flag team headed to the Keep Moat Stadium in Doncaster to keep in the National Finals.The Bucs were to play against the Coventry Bears first, and started on Defence. They looked to be holding the Bears Offence until a Fake double reverse by Hannah Russell-Yarde who they turned on the burners and out ran the rest of the Bucs Defence for the first score of the day, the conversion was no good making the score 0 - 6 to the bears. With the Bucs starting QB Zak Christie away on holiday, backup QB Dom Wilson had to step in and lead the Offence down field, but with constant pressure from the Bears Defence the Bucs were struggling to move the ball and soon found themselves turning the ball over on downs and back on D.The Bucs Defense decided to step up and hold the Bears Offence to a gain of 3 yards and turnover on downs. This became the pattern for both teams Offences for the next few drives although Bucs Wide Receiver James Schofield made some great receptions but the Offense could not get to the end zone. with the score still 0 - 6 to the Bears and just over ten minutes gone the Bucs decided it was time to get on the scoreboard and a short pass from Wilson to Wide Receiver Stefan Collins saw him then ran the full length of the field for the Bucs first points of the day. The One point conversion saw Wilson pass to Schofield but an honest Buccaneers Coaching Staff admitted that there had been a false start on the play and the Bucs went back 5 yards and had to replay the point, Wilson threw to Schofield again who nearly made an amazing catch but could not keep hold of it to take the score to 6 - 6. With half time drawing near it looked like it was going to be all level at the break but another fake double reverse from Hannah Russell-Yarde saw an almost replay from her first score as she sped off to the end zone. The conversion was no good and it took the teams into the half with the score 6 - 12 to the Bears.The second half saw the Bucs start on Offence but the Bears Defence stood strong and didn't allow many yards, this appeared to be the same for the Bucs Defence against the Bears Offence. However 5 minutes into the game and what looked to be a broken play by Bucs QB Wilson saw him toss the ball to Schofield who then dodge 4 tackles and run all the way for the score. The Conversion was no good and the score stood at 12 - 12.As the two teams traded posession for the next few drives, the Bucs nemisis struck again as Russell-Yarde ran full length of the field for her thrid score of the day and then later added it to that to make it her a clean sweep of her the only player to score for the Bears in the game. The Bears couldn't get any conversions though and they score finished at 12 - 24 to Coventry Bears.In their next game the Bucs played against the Studley Bearcats and the teams looked very evenally matched until the Bearcats picked off Bucs QB Wilson and ran it back for a Touchdown, and then got the one point Conversion to make the score 0 - 7 to the Bearcats. The Bucs didn't let their heads go down though and went straight back onto Offence and started to drive downfield with James Schofield pulling off several amazing receptions, one which nearly saw him run for a score but was tackled by the last Bearcats defender. With just 35 seconds left in the half, the Bearcats struck again with their Running Back running for a full length Touchdown and the QB then added the extras to make it 0 - 14 to the Bearcats.The Second half saw a much improved Studley team really turn on the heat and score multiple times and shutting out the Bucs Defense time after time. The final score was 0 - 42 to the Bearcats who went on to win the Cadet Finals and be crowned the National Champions 2009 so the Bucs couldn't be too disheartened with the result."This was a great day for the Bucs Cadets Team and one they should be proud off. Head Coach Lee Taylor has done an amazing job this year considering it is his first year in coaching, as well assistant coach Andrew Wilson. I am very proud of them all, being 3rd in Great Britain is a great achievement." Club Manager Ian Nicolson said.This is the first of two National Final Appearances that the Buccaneers will be making this year with the Junior Kitted team competing at the Keep Moat Stadium on Saturday 26th September.
Tuesday, August 25
On Sunday 23rd August, the Bucs Junior Kitted Team travelled down to the Coventry Jets for two games against them and a chance to secure a spot in the National Finals for the second year running.In the first game the Bucs started on Defence and with some great coverage and tackling from Cornerbacks Jonny Frayne and James McGovern along with the constant pressure that Jake Hodgkinson put the Jets QB under, soon had the Jets go 4 and out and have to turn the ball the over on downs. Strong running from Backs Joe Bentley and Jake Hodgkinson soon found the Bucs Offence in the no run zone and a 2 yards pass from Rach Hull to Center Ryan Morton saw the Bucs go 6 - 0 as the PAT was no good.On the Jets second Offensive drive more pressure from Hodgkinson saw J. Frayne make an Interception but get tackled straight away by Jets receiver A. Cohen. The Bucs Offence could not take advantage of this though and soon turned the ball over on downs, this appeared to be the case for both Offenses for the next couple of drives. It was the Jets that drew blood next though with LB #20 Intercepting the ball and returning it back 5 yards for a touchdown, the PAT was no good taking the score to 6 - 6.As the first Half was closing in, a 10 yard carry from Bentley followed by a 6 yard carry from Hodgkinson saw the clock wind down but just before the half Bentley then ran for 30 yards and break several tackles for a score, once again the PAT was no good and the score was 12 -6.At the start of the second half, Hull passed to Morton for 4 Yards and then running back Michael Frayne run the ball for 18 yards saw the Bucs Offence inside the Jets half, a couple more carries advanced them closer to the end zone before Hodgkinson ran over Jets defenders for 6 yards and a touchdown. Hull then passed to Morton for the 1 point to take the score to 19 - 6. The Bucs defence relentless as ever shut down the Jets offence once again to turn the ball over on downs, however this helped the Jets as an errant pass from Hull to running back M. Frayne was deemed to go backwards and a Jets defender picked the ball up at the 1 to walk over the goal-line for the score, the PAT was no good taking the score to 19 - 12.As the Bucs went four and out again the Defence retook the field and soon for the Jets to 4th down, pressure from Hodgkinson saw the Jets QB panic and toss it quickly to his Center, as the Center turned up field he was quickly met by J. Frayne who put in a tackle that some players will only ever dream of, however Frayne had tackled the Jets Center so hard that he gave himself a concussion and was done for the day. The drive was stopped and the Bucs Offense took the field, fired up from Frayne’s hit, and with some strong running from all three backs, Bentley ran into the end zone for a second time on the day to make it 25 - 12, Hull then passed to Bentley for the extra point taking it to 26 - 12. Again the Jets offence struggled to move the ball and on the final drive of the game the Bucs moved downfield quickly with Hull connecting with Morton 3 more times the third one being for a 4 yard touchdown, the PAT was no good leaving the score at 32 - 12 to the Bucs and the Defence getting a shutout. Bentley ran for 110 yards, Hodgkinson run for 57 yards, and M. Frayne run for 37 yards.A special mention has to go out to receivers Mark Balcombe, Lee Blundell, Jack Ginger, and Jonny Gordon who although did not get any passes thrown their way, did outstanding blocking all day to enable the backs to get some many yards.The MVPs were J. Bentley for Offence and J. Frayne for Defence. The second game was a lot shorter a game and seemed to fly by. Rookie running back Alex Williams showed some great potential and had 3 carries for 18 yards, Hull then passed to her favourite receiver on the day Morton for a 10 yard gain and then finished off the drive when she passed to Receiver James McGovern for a 3 yard touchdown. The PAT was no good and the score was 6 - 0.The Jets Offence again couldn't move the ball much and followed by the constant pressure from Mark Balcombe the Jets turned the ball over on downs but the Bucs could make anything of this chance and gave the ball back to the Jets. Great blitzing from Bentley saw Hodgkinson Intercept a pass and run it back 8 yards for a touchdown, but again the PAT was no good so the score was 12 - 0 at the half.The Second half saw the Jets score early on to make it 12 - 6 and that would be it for the scoring in that game but none the less great running from Williams and more connected passes from Hull to Morton so the Bucs stay in control.The MVPs were A. Williams for Offence and J. Bentley for Defence.
Tuesday, August 11
The Bucs were schedule to play London and Coventry but London unfortunately had to pull out last minute due to players falling ill, so it was just down to the two teams to battle it out. The conditions were extremely hot and the Bucs only had 5 players meaning that would be able to get any rest on the sideline and have to play on both Offence and Defence for both games.This didn't deter the Bucs though and after the warm ups the team got ready for the first game against the Coventry Bears. The Bucs lost the coin toss and were on Defence first led by Captain Jonny Tickle, with some great coverage and tackling the Bears found themselves going 4 and out and Defence themselves whilst the Bucs Offence took the field. Led by captain Arron Taylor the Bucs took to the air on the first play and Taylor found Tickle on a short pass who then dodged several tackles to run it all the way for a Touchdown, Taylor then found Mattie Holt for the one point conversion to make the score the 7 - 0 to the Bucs.The Bears took the field on Offence but once again the Bucs Defence shut out the Bears and got the ball back. Taylor once again tried to find Tickle but threw the pass short right to Bears Defender Millie Barrett who caught it and ran it back for the Touchdown. The Bears couldn't convert the one point conversion though making the score 7 - 6 to the Bucs. As the game went on the ball change possession a few times Until the Bucs found themselves on Offense driving the ball when Taylor passed to Will Powley who ran it in for the score but the Bucs could not get the PAT making the score 13 - 6 to the Bucs. The Bears were quick to react though and Quarterback Andy Mepstead found Tom Clancy who made a great one handed reception to get the first down. Mepstead then complete another pass to his Center who dodged a few tackles and found the endzone for the score making it 13 - 12 to the Bucs. As the end of the first half approached the Bucs Offence got the ball down to inside the no run zone and Taylor threw the ball to the corner which looked like it was going to be Intercepted by the Bears Tom Clancy, when the Bucs Derry Holt snatched the ball out of nowhere to make an outstanding catch for the score, the Conversion was no good leaving the score 19 - 12 to the Bucs at halftime.The Second half saw some good football on display but no scoring until late into the half when the Bears found their way into the endzone to make the score 19 - 18 to the Bucs. This made the Bucs wake up and realise that the game was not theirs yet and Bucs QB Taylor found Mattie Holt deep over the middle who ran the rest of the way for the score, Taylor then found Holt again only this time younger brother Derry taking the score to 27 - 18 to the Bucs. Some great pressure and coverage by the Bucs defence ensured that the Bears didn't advance on their next drive and then just ran the clock out to seal the victory.The Second Game proved to be a close encounter with the both the Bucs and the Bears stepping up their games and making the first half a real contest, the Bears were the first to put points on the board with a superbly executed fake double reverse by Hannah Russell-Yarde who turned up the pace an ran all the way for a score. The Bucs knew they were in for a tough rematch, but focus on the task ahead and Taylor started to rack up the passing yards with completions to all four of his team mates, and along the way finding Will Powley for a score to make it 6 - 6. The Bears found themselves struggling though until blown coverage found Millie Barrett wide open who caught the ball and ran it in for a score, the conversion was good to take it to 6 - 13 to the Bears, the Bucs knew halftime was closing in and managed to put together a quick drive into the endzone but could not convert taking the score to 12 - 13 to the Bears at halftime.The an uplifting team talk from Head Coach Lawrence Quinn the Bucs came out a different team and on the first play QB Taylor passed it for 15 yards over the Safety to Mattie Holt who turned up field and sped off to the endzone, the conversion was good to Tickle to make it 19 - 13 to the Bucs and give them the lead for the first time in the game. It was then the turn for the Defence to show that they were more fired up as well, and they did just that putting the Bears QB under constant pressure and stopping anything that came at them, the Offence took advantage of this and racked up the points with Tickle racking up the yards with passes from Taylor including a superb one handed catch to make a first down. It was not only Tickle that was getting in on the action though as both Powley and D. Holt started getting more receptions, along with Mattie Holt fighting for every high ball that came his way, and the points seemed to be racing up for the Bucs. The Defence started to add the final blows to a now disheartened Bears Offence and D. Holt got the teams first interception of the day at the Bears own 7 yard line which the Bucs Offence took advantage of adding another score and conversion. The last drive of the game saw the Bears throw the ball deep but this time M. Holt picked the ball out of the air at his own 5 yard line to run it back all the way for a score in which Taylor threw once again to Tickle for the extra point ended the game at 45 - 13 to the Bucs and making them the tournament champions for the full 5 points.This put the Bucs Junior Flag team in joint second place in the standings along with the Woodham Warriors but due to the head to head games between the two teams the Warriors will proceed through to the finals instead. This is still a great achievement for the Bucs though who is mainly made up of rookie players this year and also has the two young Rookie Junior Flag coaches in Lawrence Quinn and Steven Czarnecki and they should all be proud of themselves.It leaves me which just a big thank you to Cadet Head Coach Lee Taylor and club supporter and parent Mark Holt for driving down to the tournament enabling the players to participate and put on such a great display of 'Buccaneers Football'.
Monday, November 10
 |
|
|
|
| Children In Need | |
On Saturday the Chorley Buccaneers carried out their sponsored catch-a-thon in aid of Children in Need. With an excellent turnout of nearly 30 players ranging from age seven to age eighteen in cool blustery conditions, the Buccaneers successfully completed their daunting challenge of catching 1500 passes, and managed to do this in under three hours.
Information on specific sponsorship amounts is still coming in, but initial estimates indicate that the club managed to raise over £500 for the BBC organised charity appeal. Speaking after the event, club manager Ian Nicolson said:
"I am exceptionally proud of all of my players today. At the Buccaneers we offer the opportunity to boys and girls ranging from seven to eighteen to play American Football, but we also try to help them to become responsible and caring people. Today has shown me that we are succeeding. The players have worked hard to get sponsors for the Children in Need charity, and the work they carried out today should not be underestimated. The players have run over 8.5 miles during the course of the event, and every single one of them should be proud of what they have achieved."
The Chorley Buccaneers season now draws to a close for 2008, however they will be running taster sessions for any players aged 7 to 12 interested in trying out non-contact American Football. These sessions will run for six weeks from Saturday 15th November and will run between 12:00 and 13:30 (Saturday 20th December will be 13:00 to 14:30). The cost for each session is £2.50. If you would like any more information, please contact Club Manager Ian Nicolson at ian@chorleybuccaneers.com.
Monday, October 20
This weekend, the Chorley Buccaneers American Football Club, part of the Lancashire Academy of American Football, competed in the National Finals in Grangemouth at the Junior Kitted (14-16) level for the first time in the club’s history. The finals included four teams in total, the top two English sides along with the top two Scottish sides, competing against each other for the title of British champion.
To start the weekend, the Chorley Buccaneers faced the Clyde Valley Falcons in the semi-final, an intimidating opposition boasting an unbeaten record throughout the regular season. A Buccaneers team ably led by quarterback Lawrence Quinn, in his final appearance as a Buccaneer, were confident of producing an upset.
The game started with Clyde Valley jumping out to an early two score lead of 12-0, however the Chorley outfit were made of strong stuff and brought the game within a score on the back of strong running by Running Back Alex Hodson. The comeback was short lived however, with the Falcons scoring a quick touchdown through a run that spanned the entire length of the pitch by their excellent Running Back. The Falcons managed to score once more during the half, taking the score to 24-6 at half-time.
Chorley Buccaneers Head Coach Mark ‘Bud’ Greally took the opportunity at half-time to provide a strong team talk to his players, and clearly his words hit home, as on the first play of the second half, Joe Bentley took the ball the entire length of the field to score, leaving the game at 24-12 to Clyde Valley.
Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, this was the end of their scoring for the game. The Clyde Valley team managed to score twice more leaving the final score at 36-12 to the Falcons. The game represented a brave effort by the Buccaneers, but the well organised and athletic Clyde Valley team were deserved winners and moved on to the final to face the Glasgow Tigers.
This left the Buccaneers with a third place playoff game against local rivals, the Manchester Titans. For several of the team this would be their last game as a Buccaneer, as they graduate to the Lancashire Wolverine Colts youth setup within the Academy.
The game started out well for the Buccaneers, with a strong start of defence followed up with a touchdown by Sam Johnson on their first offensive possession to take a 6-0 lead. Manchester responded quickly with a touchdown on their next drive and with the Titans scoring from their conversion attempt, they took the lead 7-6. Both teams struggled to break each other down for most of the remainder of the first half, until Manchester scored a touchdown on their last possession of the half. This left the Buccaneers with work to do in the second half facing a 13-6 deficit.
Once again, the Buccaneers management staff gave an effective half-time speech, and again Bentley scored on the opening drive of the second half, although with the Buccaneers still unable to convert their extra point attempt, the score remained in the Manchester team’s favour, 13-12.
Both teams defence held strong on the following two possessions, and it was Chorley who scored next. Once again the touchdown was scored by Bentley who was having a very impressive day, and he went on to cap the drive off with a conversion from an excellent pass from Quinn. This left the score at 19-13 in favour of the Buccaneers with not much time left, so the Lancashire outfit were looking to hold their rival Titans out of the endzone for the remainder of the game to take a memorable win. This was not to be however, as on the very next drive a quick pass and long run by the Manchester Titans put the score at 19-19 with a conversion attempt to come. Using a clever play the Titans managed to convert, leaving the Buccaneers needing a score with one minute left in the game. The excellent Lawrence Quinn took his team down to the Manchester 10 yard line through a combination of passes and runs, with #88 being influential yet again. It was not to be however, as the Titans managed to cause a turnover and run out the clock to win the game 20-19 and take the title of the best Junior Kitted team in England, and third best team in Britain.
The final between Glasgow and Clyde Valley went in favour of the Falcons in another close game, 37-33, and the Falcons managed to preserve their unbeaten record and earn the title of British Champion for 2008. At the awards ceremony Chorley Buccaneers quarterback and captain Lawrence Quinn was awarded the Most Valuable Player award for the entire tournament, outlining the impression the Lancashire club managed to leave on their opponents.
The Buccaneers also gave their own awards following the event to their Most Valuable Player on offence and defence. The offensive award was given to Joe Bentley for his tireless running and big plays. The defensive award went to Michael Frayne, who was outstanding in both games.
Several players may well be graduating through the ranks of the Academy, but preparations are already beginning for the 2009 season, which will see current club manager Ian Nicolson take over the role of Head Coach, with Mark Greally regrettably stepping down.
Speaking after the finals, Coach Greally said:
“I'm proud of all the players and coaches and the season we've had. Results didn't go our way today but I can't fault the effort in what's been the clubs first appearance in these finals.”
Club Manager Ian Nicolson said:
“This is one of the proudest moments in the clubs history. Today has shown just what talent we have coming through the club. Taking over as head coach of the junior kitted next season is going to mean I have some big shoes to fill with all the success that Coach Greally has had over the past 3 years.”
Friday, May 23
Chorley Buccaneers have received a massive finacial boost to the club from their devoted sponsor blindsmadeeasy.co.uk. The company has agreed to give the club £1200 a year to help the club keep a healthy bank account and pay for their new training venue of Southlands High School.
The club which is now in it's 7th year of running and is one of the UK's longest running junior american football clubs, has seen clubs like themselves competing one year and then disperse the year after due to lack of money going into the club. "This is a great boost for our club and will really help us to keep going strong for many years to come" Club Manager Ian Nicolson said.
"With our new training venue this year costing us a lot more, it is great to know that we will have fund to pay for it and then funds left to pay for other expenses."
Visit www.blindsmadeeasy.co.uk for low cost and great quality made to measure window blinds.
The Bucs are always looking for players from 7 - 18 and for other sponsors to help keep the club growing. Contact Club Manager Ian Nicolson either by phoning 07809 103647 or email him at ian@chorleybuccaneers.com
Tuesday, February 26
The Chorley Buccaneers were in this weeks (20th Feb) Chorley Guardian thanks to Coach Lee Taylor. Coach Taylor who had read an article from a new sports reporter for the Guardian who was asking for people who or involved in different sports other than the likes of Rugby, Soccer (to me anyway) etc.
Coach Taylor made contact with Robert Kelly the reporter and gave some information about the Bucs and the results can be seen in the paper and online. "This is some much needed press" said Club Manager Ian Nicolson, "thanks to Coach Taylor for taking the time to speak to Robert who then came down to take some pictures of the Bucs, and who has also said that he would like to do more reports on us. As we are trying to set a Youth Flag Team up as well, then this couldn't of come at a better time."
Though a couple of minor mistakes are made in the article, it's still great to see our club in the local paper in which we can only will bring us more players. The article has already had someone conctact Ian who is interested in trying to get involved in coaching at the Bucs. If you would like to read the online article then click the link below:
http://www.chorley-guardian.co.uk/sport/Buccaneers-kitted-out-for-success.3798954.jp
Thursday, January 31
This year the Chorley Buccaneers have moved their training location from Holy Cross to Southlands High School and they couldn't be happier there. With Changing rooms, Hard Court and a astro turf all available as well as the rugby pitch they train on, it feels to the Bucs as if their christmas's have all come at once.
"It is a great move for the Club, and it definately shows that all the work the backroom staff put in during the off season pays off." Club Manager Ian Nicolson said. "The fact that if the rugby pitch isn't in a good condition to train on due to bad weather doesn't matter anymore. We now have 2 other options to enable us to carry on training and minimize the chances of our players getting injured."