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1995 Season | |
13/1/95
The Gateshead International Senators are getting their heads down in preparation for their 1995 campaign. They will be playing in Division Two, North and Midlands Conference, as last year, and will meet some of the same teams again. Northants Storm, to whom the Senators lost 26-10 away last season but beat them 33-0 at Gateshead, again feature in the fixture list. The Senators will be looking to avengetheir defeat by Lancashire Wolverines last season, but Redditch, Cambridge and Chester are new opponents this year.
Home games will be played at Gateshead Stadium, and are scheduled for April16th and 23rd, May 14th and 28th, and June 11th, although the opponents on thosedates have not yet been finalised.
The team is now in training, at Gateshead Stadium on Sundays at
12 noon. There is always scope for new players, and anyone interested
should contact the club chairman, Gary Marshall, on Stocksfield
(01661) 843179.
Touchback!
30/1/95
One of the oldest and most liked active American football players in the UK is coming back to the Gateshead Senators for yet another season, and he has lined up some local sponsors to help him do it. Ray Butters, known as Stingray, has been a part of American football in the North East for over eleven years and although forty this week, was the Gateshead Senators' Lineman of the Year for 1994, reflecting the power of the 6 foot 5 inch Defensive End's tackling ability and record of quarterback sacks.
Rob Winter of Total Business Systems at Cowen Road, Blaydon Business
Park and Paul Ellison, Joinery Building Services & Loft Conversion
Specialists of Chester Grove, Seghill are each sponsoring the
formidable figure of number 99 for the coming season. "This
will be a great help with such as league fees and travel expenses
etc.," said Ray, "as well as buying some new protective
gear. Some of my present gear has taken a battering." When
it was suggested that his body might do the same, Stingray replied,
"I've always said that when I retire, I'll walk off the field.
Nobody's going to carry me."
Touchback!
6/3/95
The two oldest established American football clubs in the region are combining to raise money as a memorial to a Scottish player, Alan Nichol (21), killed last year when the train on which he was a passenger hit concrete blocks placed by vandals on a railway line near Glasgow. The train driver was also killed. The Whitley Bay based Tyneside Tigers have arranged a charity game with Nichol's team, the Strathclyde Stallions, at Ravenscraig Park, Greenock near Glasgow for Sunday, March 19th. The Gateshead Senators, based at the International Stadium, are lending their support and a joint squad will travel up to provide the Stallions with a good game and some excellent gridiron entertainment. The game in the 14,000 seat stadium is being sponsored by ScotRail, and the money raised will be donated to a school for handicapped children in the Ravenscraig area in memory of Alan Nichol.
The Chairmen of the two clubs, Bill Gibson of the Tigers and Gary
Marshall of the Senators, agreed to the joint venture as part
of a programme of cooperation between the two clubs and as a way
of demonstrating the respect in which Alan Nichol was held by
those that played with and against him on the gridiron.
Touchback!
13/3/95
World League at All-Star Charity Game
The World League of American Football is sending the Scottish
Claymores cheerleaders to the memorial game for Alan Nichol, the
Scottish American footballer killed last year in a train crash
near Glasgow. The two oldest established teams in the North East,
the Gateshead Senators and the Whitley Bay based Tyneside Tigers
are sending a joint squad to the game at Ravenscraig next Sunday.
The opponents are the Strathclyde Stallions, but they are featuring
guest players from other Scottish teams, including the Glasgow
Lions, one of the top UK teams, making it a North British All-Star
game. Kick off is at 1p.m. and there is entertainment American
style before the game and at half time. The television cameras
will be there fro the game and the presentation of a commemorative
trophy to the winning team. Proceeds from the event are going
to a home for handicapped children at Ravenscraig in memory of
Alan Nichol.
Touchback!
19/03/95
North British All Stars Honour Alan "The Boy" Nicol
A hard fought, close game went down to the last few seconds on Sunday as a Tyneside Tigers team with many guest players from the Gateshead International Senators travelled to Ravenscraig Stadium in Glasgow to play a memorial game for Strathclyde Stallions wide receiver Alan Nicol (21), killed last year in a train crash. The Strathclyde also had many guest players, mainly from the Glasgow Lions.
Before the game there was a minute's silence for Alan Nicol and Arthur McKee, the train driver who was also killed after vandals placed concrete blocks on the track. Nicol's parents were presented with his game shirt before the kick off.
Gary Marshall kicked off for Tyneside, but Strathclyde could not make progress and had to punt, which went vertical and came down on the same spot, giving Tyneside excellent field position, but they too had to punt. Strathclyde's next drive was ended when Ian Storey intercepted Joe Harkins. Again Tyneside had to punt, with Marshall's kick putting Strathclyde back at their own 13 yard line. Strathclyde's possession was halted when Mike Shaw's fumble was recovered by Colin Anderson for Tyneside.
A field that had started soggy turned into a quagmire, and it was not until the second quarter that the first complete pass of the game was made when Tyneside's Lee Fraser hit Kev Ramsey for a twenty yard gain, but a fourth down Pass by Tyneside fell incomplete. Harkin's pass for Strathclyde to Andy Johnstone in the endzone was called back for holding, and it was Tyneside who were first on the scoreboard following a twenty yard completion from Fraser to David Nimmins which set up Sean Mantey's ten yard touchdown run behind the trap blocking of guards Dave Cloke and Jason Lester at the end of the half. Fraser's pass to Nimmins added two points.
The second half started in a hailstorm, and after blocking a Tyneside punt, Chris Boyle ran in for six for Strathclyde, but the two point attempt failed. For the rest of the third and much of the fourth quarter the teams traded punts, highlights being two long returns by Andy Johnstone for Strathclyde, a sack of Harkins by Colin Anderson and a fumble recovery by Steve Wooton for Tyneside.
The game was marred by an injury to Strathclyde's Colin McAuley who suffered a broken leg. When play resumed, Alistair McDonald scored for Strathclyde on a one yard power through the middle, but again the two point option failed.
With the score 12-8 to Strathclyde and seconds left on the clock, Tyneside had possession just seven yards from the Strathclyde goal line, but Fraser's completion to Trevor Atkinson on fourth down failed to make enough yards, and Strathclyde won the game when Harkins took the knee to run out the clock.
The Alan Nicol Memorial Trophy was presented to Strathclyde by
Councillor Yvonne Robertson of Strathclyde Regional Council after
the game.
Touchback!
1-4-95
Scottish Glamour at the Metro Centre
The Cheerleaders from the Scottish Claymores will be in the Metro
Centre today to give a display of their skills. The Scottish Claymores
are the Edinburgh based team of the World League of American Football,
which kicks off its season this month. The Cheerleaders will be
giving demonstrations and handing out information about the Claymores
in Town Square One (near House of Fraser, Green Quadrant) from
12 o'clock today (Saturday), and players from the regions own
American football team, the Gateshead International Senators,
will also be lending the Scottish girls a helping hand. The Senators
own season kicks off at Gateshead Stadium on Easter Sunday against
Cambridge Cats.
Touchback!
2/4/95
Sponsorship deal for Senators
The North East's premier American football team, the Gateshead International Senators, have agreed sponsorship terms with Dean's American Diner in Collingwood Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. A wide range of steaks, burgers and Mexican style foods are on offer, and even crocodile is on the menu!
Jason Lester, the Senators' sponsorship officer, said, "The agreement initially covers post game hospitality which the Senators have always provided for their opponents, and Dean's Diner is an ideal location for us, being not very far from Gateshead Stadium."
However, the agreement is open to being extended to an even wider sponsorship of the Senators. Tony Messner, the Manager at Dean's American Diner, said, "We are happy to be associated with the Senators, and hope they do well in their coming season."
The Senators have their first home game of the season on Easter
Sunday afternoon at Gateshead International Stadium against newly
promoted Cambridge Cats, kick off at 2-15 p.m.
Touchback!
4/4/95
Border Terrier follows Senator
Hot on the heels of the team sponsorship from Dean's American Diner in Newcastle comes news that Kev Ramsay, who plays as a receiver for the Senators, has agreed personal sponsorship with the "Border Terrier" public house in North Shields.
Twenty-two year old Kev, who works for Nissan and lives in Monkseaton, will use the money to buy new kit. "My old kit was getting a bit battered, so the sponsorship is really welcome," said Kev.
Locals at the Border Terrier will be hoping that Kev will be sniffing
out the gaps in the defense to retrieve QB Lee Fraser's passes.
Kev should have his kit in time for Easter Sunday's opener at
Gateshead Stadium against newly promoted Cambridge Cats. Kick
off is at 2-15pm.
Touchback!
6/4/95
Geordie Merger
Tyneside's two American football teams announced a merger this week. The North Shields based Tyneside Tigers are merging with the Gateshead International Senators, who play at Gateshead International Stadium. Tigers' chairman Bill Gibson and treasurer Barrie Hicks will join the Senators Management Committee.
BAFA League Commissioner Dave Quincy has been informed that the Tigers will be unable to fulfill their Division Three fixtures.
The combined squad will make the Senators' challenge in Division Two that much stronger, and there is a history of co-operation between the two teams who get on well. They recently combined to play a charity game in Glasgow against the Strathclyde Stallions.
Senators' chairman Gary Marshall said, "We welcome the Tigers players, and all the combined squad will be considered for playing time on merit alone."
The new squad's first game will be the Senators' home opener on
Easter Sunday against newly promoted Cambridge Cats at Gateshead
Stadium, kicking off at 2-15 p.m.
Touchback!
10/4/95
Start for Senators
The Gateshead International Senators, the region's most successful American football team, and newly strengthened by the recent merger with Tyneside Tigers, open their 1995 campaign on Easter Sunday at Gateshead Stadium against visitors Cambridge Cats.
The Senators had an even season last year, with most of their games being decided by a narrow margin, a notable exception being the 33-0 demolition of Northants Storm at Gateshead. Lee Fraser, the ex Great Britain youth quarterback, starts his second senior season with the Senators, also returning are receivers John Savage, Kev Ramsay and former Tigers' QB David Nimmins, now catching passes for the Senators, and the ever reliable veteran Trevor Atkinson. Last season's centre, Dave Cloke, is back, but changing positions with guard Jason Lester, who will now snap except in long snap situations where Cloke retains the role. The offensive line also again features Andy Norton and Ian Atkinson, who will be blocking ahead of Sean Mantey, making a welcome return to the Senators at running back, along with Mickey Thompson.
Strong defense has always been a Gateshead tradition, and this season the unit is strengthened by the addition of Sean Riley on the defensive line, no stranger to junior football, but in his first senior season. Veteran Ray Butters refuses to give his up #99 spot at defensive end, and whatever he may lack in speed after twelve years in the game, he certainly makes up for in experience. The linebacking squad remains much the same, including Steve Wootton who had such a tremendous game at Strathclyde a couple of weeks ago. Veteran Mal Armstrong hopes to be fit for Sunday's game. Dave Wilson, Ian Storey and Alan Ellis are joined in the backfield by Gary Catherall, who did much of the ball carrying last season in Mantey's absence.
The Senators' first opponents are Cambridge Cats, who are newly promoted to Division Two, having beaten Crawley Raiders in the Division Three championship in 1994. Players the Senators will have to watch include quarterback Simon Kucia, who was 10 of 18 for 152 yards and two touchdowns last week in a pre-season fixture, former Leicester Panther Nick Tuttle at receiver, along with American Charles Thompson, who also plays defensive back and kick returner. Cambridge also have an American coach, Rik Hoskins, who will be calling the plays against the all Geordie Senators.
Easter Sunday's opener promises to be a great game, and kick off
is at 2-15 p.m.
Touchback!
16/4/95
Senators Pay for Mistakes
Gateshead Senators 16 Cambridge Cats 34
The Gateshead International Senators, in their first home game of the season,were punished for their errors by a head's up display from the Cambridge Cats. On the Senators' first drive, a pass by receiver David Nimmins took Cambridge unawares when it was complete to Kev Ramsay for a 44 yard gain, but the drive ended when Gary Marshall's 34 yard field goal attempt was wide to the right.
American Simon Kucia struck back for Cambridge with a long bomb caught by Ben Wells at the Senators' 1 yard line. American Charles Thompson took the ball for the touchdown, and Kucia's pass for the extra 2 points was complete to Jonathan Smith.
The teams traded punts, but a bad snap led Marshall to punt the ball laterally out of bounds giving Cambridge possession 15 yards from the score, which Charles Thompson promptly took. The try was incomplete bringing the score to 14-0. The Senators had to punt again, and ex-Panther Nick Tuttle returned Marshall's kick the full length of the pitch for the six points. Kucia's pass for two failed.
The Senators were next to score with a pass from Lee Fraser to David Nimmins' diving catch. The two pointer was run by Mick Thompson behind the blocking of Sean Mantey. The Senators came close again before half time with Fraser's fourth down pass to Kev Nixon just slipping through the receiver's usually sure hands.
The second half started with the Senators catching the Cats out with Marshall's pass to Ian Storey on fourth down going for the score. Gateshead's two point run was called back, and Marshall's kick for one from another ten yards away was just wide, leaving the score 20-14.
Defensive pressure held Cambridge against their own end zone which resulted in a safety for Gateshead, reducing the deficit to just four points.
In the fourth quarter, Gateshead came close to taking the lead when a fourth down pass to Kev Ramsay from Fraser was caught, but as Ramsay tried to reach the ball over the goal line it dropped and rolled out of bounds at the one yard line. Kucia was then intercepted by Ian Storey, but Marshall's resulting 49 yard field goal was wide right. On the Cats' next drive, Charles Thompson broke away for a 45 yard touchdown run, increasing the gap to ten points. The try for two was no good. The Senators' following drive ended when Marshall, in for a temporarily injured Fraser, fumbled a hand-off, which a grateful Tom Panton picked up and took in for the touchdown. Charles Thompson added the two points to bring the final score to 34-16.
Senators MVP awards were presented after the game by Rick Hoskins,
the Cambridge coach, at Dean's American Diner in Newcastle to
Sean Riley for Defense, Mick Thompson for Offense and the game
MVP went to running back Sean Mantey.
Touchback!
Preview
Senators v Lancashire Wolverines
BAFA Senior League Division Two
Gateshead Stadium, Sunday 23rd April 1995 K.O. 2-15 p.m.
The Gateshead International Senators will be looking all the more keenly for a win on Sunday when they meet the Wolverines after the loss to Cambridge last week in the season opener. The Senators lost narrowly to Lancashire last season, and will be using the knowledge gained from that meeting to plan their strategy for this week's game, which is Lancashire's opening game of the season.
Senators' chairman and coach, Gary Marshall, said, "We shot ourselves in the foot last week against Cambridge with some crucial errors, but we have worked on these in training this week and have a game plan ready for the Wolverines."
The Senators' line up will be essentially the same, with ex Great Britain youth quarterback, Lee Fraser, now in his second senior season, as the starter again. Kev Ramsay, whose disastrous fumble against Cambridge helped turn the game against the Senators, will also be back in the starting line up, determined to make up for his mistake.
The game kicks off at 2-15 p.m. on the Astroturf pitch at Gateshead
Stadium.
Touchback!
23/4/95
Senators 8 - 12 Lancashire Wolverines
Lancashire Wolverines had the edge in their visit to Gateshead Stadium on Sunday in a hard fought game dominated by defense. A succession of punts and fourth down turnovers was the first quarter story as each team tried to break the deadlock.
Lancashire scored first as quarterback Paul Ashton found Matt Dunne in the endzone on a 13 yard strike. Gary Worthington's kick for the extra point was good. The half ended with Gateshead pushing for the score after a David Wilson interception, but failed to make the endzone before the clock ran out.
Gary Marshall kicked off for the Senators to start the second half, and the Wolverines responded with a drive that ended in a 30 yard field goal from Gary Worthington bringing the score to 10-0.
Gateshead replied with a 9 yard touchdown run from Sean Mantey who was 89 yards on the day. Mick Thompson ran in for the two point conversion.
A punt at the end of Gateshead's next possession led to a safety for the Wolverines after a bad snap put the ball through the endzone, and the margin increased to four points.
In the fourth period, Lancashire came close to increasing their lead when Worthington's 29 yard field goal attempt was wide left. Both defenses then held firm through a series of punts and downs turnovers. In the final two minutes Gary Catherall recovered a fumble for the Senators but the drive was killed when Senators QB Lee Fraser was intercepted by Colin Vickery. Lancashire ran out the clock to preserve their 12-8 victory.
The two teams meet again next Sunday at Lancashire.
Touchback!
30/04/95
Lancashire Wolverines 52 - Gateshead Senators 12
The scoreline says it all about Lancashire's comprehensive defeat of the Senators. Lancashire started the scoring with a 15 yard run by John Nuttal, Dave Herd's kick was good. Matt Dunne returned a Senators' punt for another score with Herd again adding the extra point.
Early in the second quarter, Alan Whittaker caught a 14 yard Paul Ashton pass for another Wolverine score, followed by Herd's third kick for one. The teams traded interceptions before Ashton found John Iddon in the endzone, with Herd's kick making the score 28-0.
Just before the half, the Senators avoided the shutout with a 25 yard strike from Lee Fraser to David Nimmins, who was 75 yards receiving on the day. Mick Thompson's two point run was stopped.
In the third period, the Senators added a further score when Dave Wilson pulled in Fraser's pass for six, the try for two being unsuccessful.
Lancashire continued to score with touchdowns from John Nuttal on a 40 yard lateral play, John Iddon passing for 56 yards to Alan Whittaker, who was 141 yards receiving in the game, and 12 yards to Nick Edgington. The Wolverines completed the rout when import Cedric Jordan ran in from the one yard line. Iddon was 7 of 7 for 136 yards and two touchdowns in the 52 -12 victory.
The Senators are determined to break the duck when they travel
to Nottingham next week to meet Trent Valley Warriors.
Touchback!
7/5/95
Trent Valley Warriors 20 Gateshead Senators 8
Erratic execution by the Senators on crucial plays against the consistency of the Trent Valley Warriors was the key to this game.
The teams were evenly matched until just before the end of the first quarter when Warriors' quarterback Mike Hibbert caught the Gateshead defence out on a 95 yard pass play to Stuart Ross for the first score. Andy Wain added the extra point.
In the second quarter Paul Oliver added to the lead with a 55 yard touchdown run, Wain's kick increasing the score to 14-0.
The Senators ended the third quarter after a series of traded punts with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Lee Fraser to David Nimmins in the endzone. Sean Mantey ran in the two pointer to close the gap to six points.
Paul Oliver ended the scoring with a 16 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to give the Warriors their 20-8 victory.
The Senators host Chester Romans at Gateshead Stadium next Sunday,
kick off at 2 p.m.
Touchback!
14/5/95
Gateshead Senators 26 Chester Romans 8
The Senators' offensive line won the battle of the trenches in pouring rain to put two running backs over 100 yards in their 26-8 win over visitors Chester. John Harrison carried 16 times for 124 yards and Sean Mantey 14 times for 114 yards, one touchdown and a two point conversion.
On the Senators' first drive, Mantey carried on a fourth and five to keep the drive alive and set up for Gary Marshall's 25 yard field goal to give Gateshead the first score.
In the second quarter, Mantey ran in from 4 yards, and added to two point conversion. Lee Fraser found Jon Savage in the endzone from 9 yards to increase the lead, with Marshall kicking the extra point to make the score at the half 18-0.
The Romans came out fired up for the third quarter but Gary Fuller's 27 yard field goal attempt went wide. The Senators replied with a 7 yard touchdown run from Gary Catherall, who carried 6 times for 47 yards, and he followed up by running in for an extra two points.
Chester relied on the powerful running of fullback Peter White to advance the ball and his efforts were rewarded in the fourth quarter with a 16 yard scoring run, followed by the extra two to bring the score to 26-8.
The Senators' MVP awards were presented during the post game meal at the Riverside Lodge, with John Harrison taking offensive honours, Ray Butters the defensive and Gary Catherall game MVP for an excellent game both side of the ball.
Gateshead have a bye week coming, and their next game is at home
on Sunday 28th May against Trent Valley Warriors, at Gateshead
Stadium, kick off 2 p.m.
Touchback!
21/5/95
Senators on the "Net"
The Gateshead International Senators are truly international, with far flung fans and supporters round the globe. All this has come about because of the Internet, and the availability of quick transfer of information through computers using such providers as CompuServe. Senators' game information is posted onto bulletin boards within CompuServe, the Sports Illustrated General Sports Talk, and UK Forum Sports and Results.
Following Gateshead's win against Chester, congratulatory messages were received from around the world. Darren Aquilina in Sydney, Australia (he plays for Parramata Bears) replied with, "Well done with a win on the run". He says they want a "Gun QB". Will he make Senators' Lee Fraser an offer?
"Glad to see the Senators still have some pop left! Keep me informed and good luck on the 28th!"- Jim Gamble of San Francisco. He wants copies of Senators' programmes, and this is being arranged.
Closer to home, Slater Beddows of Staffordshire responded with "That's the spirit! Hard fought O/Line....hang on a minute....you just gave your O/Line some recognition. I'll have to phone the league and put a stop to this nonsense! What will the world come to if I let this slur on the British game continue unanswered! Well done with the win" Slater may be biased since he played on the line for Cannock! #72.
Mick W. Gouldburn responded with "As a Gateshead old boy living in Louisiana I'm pleased to see another Toon doing OK. Hope they continue to do well." He is sending his brother from Teesside to check out the Senators at their next game.
Dan Stoller of Columbus, Ohio, wanted the Senators' Logo, which was promptly sent in full colour via the information superhighway. Other messages have been received from Werner Kliever and Grahame Young in "Winnipeg Blue Bomber Country" and many more from all corners of the globe.
The Senators' next game is on Sunday 28th May at Gateshead Stadium,
against Trent Valley Warriors, kick off at 2 p.m.
Touchback!
28/5/95
3/5/95
Sunday Sun Preview
After last Sunday's heartstopping game against Trent Valley Warriors resulting in an 11-8 win at Gateshead, with Gary Marshall's 40 yard field goal being the difference, the Senators travel to Chester to meet the Romans on their home turf for the first time. In their last meeting three weeks ago at the International Stadium, the Senators won 26-8, thanks to the power of the offensive line which allowed both John Harrison and Sean Mantey to have 100 yard plus games. The Senators will be looking to repeat their performance, but this time will be missing the blocking of veteran lineman Ian Atkinson, who was deprived of his appendix last week and looks unlikely to be match fit this season. Left guard Jason Lester, absent from last week's game against Trent Valley, returns to the line up against Chester to block for the running backs and give quarterback Lee Fraser time to pass the ball. Missing last time but expected to play is Mick Thompson whose speed off the line has caused opposing defenses problems all season.
Last week's double scorer, David Nimmins, who hauled in a touchdown and the following conversion catch, will again be a favourite target for Fraser's passes, along with Kev Ramsay and Trevor Atkinson. Gateshead kicker Gary Marshall, who has shown already this season that he has the range and the power to put the ball between the posts from a long way out, is yet another offensive weapon the Senators have in their armoury.
On defense, the squad which held Trent Valley on a heroic goal-line stand for four downs to save the game last week, will have the task of stopping Chester's powerful running game led by Peter White, who emerged in the last encounter as the greatest offensive threat the Romans had. The linebacking corps of Mal Armstrong, Steve Wooton, Andrew Ramsay and Simon Moles will be the ones to carry this responsibility, but Chester quarterback Gary Fuller is expected to start and the Senators' defensive backs Alan Ellis, Dave Wilson, Gary Catherall and Ian Storey will be on duty to shut down Chester's passing game.
The game-plan of course remains a coach's secret, but the Senators
know they have enough to make it three wins in a row.
Touchback!
4/6/95
Three in a row for Senators
Chester Romans 20 Gateshead Senators 22
Chester Romans' running back Peter White carried 45 times out of 72 plays for 302 yards and three touchdowns, but even this outstanding performance was not enough for victory as the Senators held on for their third successive win.
The Senators took the lead on the first drive of the game when quarterback Lee Fraser found David Nimmins in the endzone from 22 yards out. Michael Thompson ran in the two points.
On Chester's first drive, Peter White replied with a 3 yard run and the two points to level the scores. Michael Thompson, who carried 18 times for 92 yards for Gateshead, put the Senators back in the lead with a 5 yard scoring dash, but the two point attempt failed. White responded with a 16 yard score to level the scores again.
After the teams traded a fumble and an interception, White struck again with a 65 yard scoring run to give Chester a 20-14 lead at the half.
The teams exchanged punts for much of the third quarter until Lee Fraser, who was 8 of 15 for 124 yards and 0 interceptions on the day, threw a second scoring strike to David Nimmins from 27 yards to level the scores. Nimmins caught the two pointer as well to produce the 2 point margin.
In the fourth quarter, White continued to amass yardage, but a crucial tackle for Gateshead by Sean Riley on White killed the Romans' hopes and enabled Fraser to run out the clock. Fraser was the Senators' offensive MVP and Steve Wooton the defensive MVP. Peter White was MVP for the Romans.
Next Sunday, Gateshead host top of the table Lancashire.
Touchback!
8/6/95
Senators face Test Match at Chester-le-Street
Gateshead Senators, fresh from three wins in a row, host top-of-the-table Lancashire Wolverines in Sunday's division two clash. And thanks to Rod Stewart who is appearing at Gateshead Stadium on Sunday, the game is being staged a few miles away at Chester-le-Street Riverside Complex, the home not only of county cricket, but also division three local rivals, the Presidents, who are away this Sunday.
Following discussions with the league office and the Presidents, Senators' chairman Gary Marshall said, "It's nice to see clubs helping each other out, and we are grateful to the Presidents in helping us stage this important fixture."
Gateshead expect to field a full squad for Sunday's game, with
only offensive lineman Ian Atkinson still definitely ruled out
because of his recent appendectomy. Lancashire have only suffered
one defeat so far this season and will be formidable opponents,
but the Senators will be trying to maintain their run at the playoffs
by extending their winning streak even further.
Touchback!
Lancashire Wolverines 21 at Gateshead Senators 17
The Senators fought the top-of-the-table Wolverines to a nailbiting finish, when with seconds left in the game, quarterback Lee Fraser's pass to open David Nimmins in the endzone went over the receiver's head in gusty conditions at Chester-le-Street to seal the victory for Lancashire and bring Gateshead's three game winning streak to an end.
The Senators opened the scoring after a forty-seven yard Gary Marshall punt pinned Lancashire at their own half yard line when in a heads-up play, John Savage took the ball out of bounds. Ray Butters forced Lancs QB John Iddon to fumble in the endzone, which Mal Armstrong, who was to have ten solo tackles on the day, promptly covered for the touchdown. The conversion failed.
In the second quarter John Nuttal replied for the Wolverines with a seven yard scoring run to level the scores. The conversion failed, so later in the quarter when Nuttal again scored, this time from eight yards, Dave Hurd kicked the extra point to give the Wolverines a 13-6 lead at the half.
Lancashire increased their lead when Brian Summerfield ran in from seventeen yards, but Hurd's kick was no good. Mark Sloane pushed the Wolverines' score up to 21-6 with a safety early in the fourth period.
But the Senators came back with John Savage's seven yard touchdown
catch from Lee Fraser, who then found David Nimmins for the two
point catch. A fumble recovery by Andrew Ramsay set up Gary Marshall's
thirty yard field goal which reduced the deficit to just four
points which led to the game's thrilling climax.
Touchback!
15/6/95
Senators face long haul
Gateshead Senators need to win all their remaining games to keep their battle for a playoff spot alive and start that long haul with the longest journey of their season to play Cambridge Cats on Sunday.
Cambridge are second to Lancashire in the table at the moment, but have a game in hand, and are poised to win the division, so they will be as keen for the win as Gateshead.
At the teams' previous encounter at the International Stadium in April, Cambridge won by 34 points to 16, with the Cats' Americans, quarterback Simon Kucia and rusher Charles Thompson doing most of the damage. The all local Senators will be seeking to repeat their form of the first three quarters of that game when the difference was only four points, and prevent the errors which handed Cambridge two of their scores.
Despite last week's disappointing narrow loss to chart toppers
Lancashire, Senators Head Coach Gary Marshall is confident that
Gateshead can do enough to win. "If we execute the plays
as in training and don't make the critical errors, we can beat
them."
Touchback!
18/6/95
Gateshead Senators 14 at Cambridge Cats 40
In a game of two different halves, Senators' Mick Thompson carried 28 times for 151 yards and a touchdown, but this was not enough to overcome Cats' American Charles Thompson's 312 yards on 26 carries and 2 touchdowns, as the Cats beat the Senators.
On the opening drive, Cats' quarterback Nigel Mansfield, who was 12 of 22 for 177 yards, threw for the first of 4 touchdowns from 11 yards out to Jonathan Smith, adding the extra point with his kick. After an exchange of punts, Thompson went over from 14 yards, with Mansfield again kicking the PAT.
Thompson's agility continued to cause problems for the Senators' defense in the second quarter, as he ran for a 78 yard score, and helped set up a further 6 points from Mansfield to Smith from 9 yards with Chris Wallis catching the two pointer.
The Senators suffered further. losing Andrew Ramsay with a pulled hamstring and then lineman and long snapper Dave Cloke with a broken leg. Even so, Gateshead avoided the first half shutout when Lee Fraser found David Nimmins on a 45 yard scoring bomb. Cambridge were quick to hit back with Mansfield's 16 yard touchdown throw to Nigel Wells, his kick being blocked by Mal Armstrong, giving the Cats a 34-6 lead at the half.
From the third quarter, the Senators defense had the measure of the Cats, and on offense, Mick Thompson's efforts were rewarded with a 2 yard score, with Fraser throwing to John Savage for the extra two. Mansfield was intercepted by Dave Wilson, and he also prevented a Cats' score with a crucial tackle on Nigel Wells.
Gateshead held the Cats for most of the second half, only conceding a score near the end when Mansfield found Smith again from 12 yards to end the scoring at 40-14.
The Senators still have a chance at the playoffs, but this now
depends on other teams' results as well as winning at Chester
in two weeks.
Touchback!
Senators finish in style
Gateshead Senators 34 at Chester Romans 0
Depleted by injuries and work commitments, the Senators travelled to play Chester for their last regular season game with just 17 players, but still won 34-0 against the Romans who gave 110% to the last.
Senators' John Savage had 7 catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns, starting with a 33 yard catch from quarterback Lee Fraser in the first quarter to open the scoring, with Michael Thompson running the extra 2 point conversion.
After a series of punts, Thompson, who carried 21 times for 101 yards, again went over, this time for 6 points from 3 yards in the second quarter. Following a fumble recovery by David Nimmins enjoying playing defense for Gateshead, Fraser threw a 3 yard dart to David Wilson in the endzone, giving the Senators a 20-0 lead at the half.
Lee Fraser, who was12 of 30 for 150 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions on the day bringing his season total to 1007 yards passing, found Savage again in the third quarter, this time from 38 yards for another score. Nimmins, who had 2 catches for 46 yards, caught the conversion catch. The Senators' defense, led by Steve Wooton with 8 solo tackles and 9 assists, continued to thwart a determined Romans' offense.
John Harrison finished the scoring in the fourth quarter with a 4 yard run to bring the score to 34-0.
Gateshead must now wait for other teams' results from next week
(the final week is a bye for the Senators) to see if they have
earned a playoff spot.
Touchback!
Best of the Rest
The Gateshead Senators had to wait for other teams to play to find out if their record was good enough to earn them post season play in the playoffs and a shot at promotion to the small and competitive division one. In the end Trent Valley Warriors took the spot, because both although teams had an equal win-loss record, and were honours even in head to head, the Warriors got through on points difference.
The Senators do have at least one more game though as they travel away on Sunday to meet the Great Britain Bulldogs at Trent Valley's ground near Nottingham. The Bulldogs are the British Universities' National team, and they are about to start their international season, playing similar teams from across Europe.
As the Senators were the best team in the BAFA League from all
divisions that did not make the playoffs, the honour falls to
them of giving the Bulldogs some real opposition against which
to hone their skills before taking on the rest of Europe. The
Senators will be taking most of their regular starters, but will
also be taking the opportunity to try out some budding talent
with an eye on next year's BAFA League campaign.
Touchback!
16/7/95
Great Britain Bulldogs 21 Gateshead Senators 6
At the end of a hard season, the Senators travelled to Nottingham with just 23 players (no linebackers) but including some guest players, to take on the Bulldogs in a warm-up game for them before their international tour. The Senators earned this by being the best team in the league that did not qualify for the playoffs.
The Bulldogs, with a fresh 45 man squad, scored early with a 3 yard touchdown run by Gary McAleese, but Senators' Sean Riley blocked the kick. Bulldogs' first half quarterback Ollie Jay increased the score with a 10 yard pass to Steve Shergold, followed by John Wyse's kick.
In the second quarter, Jay was intercepted by Dave Wilson to set up Lee Fraser's 28 yard scoring pass to bring the score at the half to 13-6.
In the third period, with a regular rotation of players, the Bulldogs
completed the scoring with a 15 yard run by Steve Beard, who also
ran in the conversion.
Touchback!
22/8/95
Claymores and Senators link up for local kids
Young American football enthusiasts are in for a treat when the Gateshead Senators, as the region's leading American football team, are at the centre of a major event coming up soon. The top coaches from the U.S. run professional World League team, the Scottish Claymores, are coming from Edinburgh to run a clinic for coaches on Tuesday 5th September at the Swallow Hotel and a free, open clinic for kids at Gateshead Stadium on Wednesday 6th September.
Claymores' Head Coach Jim Criner and National Coach Michael Kenny will run the coaches' clinic, and will be assisted by the Senators' own coaching staff for the youngsters' open session at the Stadium, including Gary Marshall, as BAFA Sports Development Officer who will be there along with Craig Buttery, the National Development Officer for the NFCA, the UK coaches' organisation.
The kids' session will start at Gateshead Stadium at 5p.m. and
will run until about 9p.m. No experience or kit is necessary and
the kids can come and join in at any time - it is absolutely free.
Touchback!
30/09/95
Going for the Big Time
Budding American football stars will be converging on Gateshead International Stadium on Friday 6th October, attempting to break into the professional ranks in the NFL owned World League. The session has been organised by the North-East's leading team, the Gateshead Senators, acting on behalf of the World League. Players will have the chance to show their skills to Bobby Hammond, head coach of the London Monarchs, who will have Tony Allan, the Monarch's national coach with him and Steve Davies, Operations Manager, and also to Jim Criner, head coach of the Edinburgh based Scottish Claymores, along with Michael Kenny, the Claymores' national coach. The Claymores coaches recently visited Gateshead to see the Senators' junior coaching in action, which is each Wednesday evening at the stadium.
World League hopefuls should register at the stadium at 6p.m. on Friday, with the tryouts starting at about 6-30p.m. on the floodlit astroturf pitch. The Senators have some of their own players with sights on professional gridiron, and can expect to be put through their paces in such exercises as the 40 yard sprint, agility drills, bench presses and of course football skills suitable to their field position.
Senators' Chairman Gary Marshall said, "The Senators welcome
all players in the region to come and try out. This is a superb
opportunity for those who have the necessary qualities to move
up to the professional game, and maybe from there, even further."
Touchback!
30/9/95
Talent Recognised
Efforts on the gridiron earned their rewards for Gateshead Senators players at their recent Presentation Night held at the Riverside Lodge near their home ground, Gateshead Stadium.
The trophies were presented by club chairman Gary Marshall. Sean Riley was Rookie of the Year, for his contribution both sides of the ball and the way in which he had made the transition from junior to senior gridiron.
Defensive Player of the Year was David Wilson for his outstanding contribution on the field, both in terms of tackles and interceptions. Micky Thompson earned Offensive Player of the Year for his rushing yardage and the number of 100 yards plus games he had in the season. The linemen are often the unsung heroes of American football, yet in many ways they are the key to the game, and this was recognised in the Lineman of the Year award which went to Dave Cloke for both his blocking and as centre and long snapper. Veteran linebacker Steve Wooton was praised for his consistent contribution, with a degree of skill and dedication deserving of recognition at a national level and earned his award for the high number of tackles made and opponents' plays broken up. In some ways the most valued aWard is that of Players' Player, chosen by the team themselves, and commitment and skill were given their due in this award to veteran defensive end Ray Butters, whose nickname has always been Stingray, but whose years in the game seem to have earned him an additional one of Jurassic Butters. The imposing figure of #99 continues to dominate at his position, although in his years in the game, Ray has played many positions, including on offense, tight end and quarterback.
Although it is the Senators' off season, the club is still active,
with junior coaching sessions each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.
at Gateshead Stadium, all aspiring under 18s welcome.
Touchback!