PREVIEW: British Premier North – Yorkshire Rams v Sheffield Predators
Tomorrow sees the UK’s Yorkshire Rams open their 2015 season against local rivals the Sheffield Predators.
Here we preview the key points of the fixture:
Last Meeting: Yorkshire Rams defeat Sheffield Predators 11 – 8, 11th May 2014
The Rams took this nervy encounter on the opening day of their 2014 season, after moving the ball successfully in the early running but without troubling the scoreboard, the Rams finally broke through the resistance of the Predators D by moving the ball in the air and finally managed to power home with a 5 yard TD run with a successful PAT to make it 7-0 at the half.
In the second half, neither team could get into a rhythm and both fell foul of some poor special teams play as the score moved to 11-2 to the Rams through 3 bad snaps on goal-line punts that ended in safeties each time. The Rams were the last to give away one of these safeties and this brought with it some edgy play and allowed Sheffield back into the game but the Rams defence held firm until a fumble gave the ball back to the Predators in the 4th Quarter and they rumbled their way into the endzone, the 2 point conversion was unsuccessful however which left the Rams only a field goal in front.
A stuttering Rams offence then came back on the field and found some form which allowed the home side to run the clock down and hold out for the victory.
Highlights
The Rams defence came away with 4 picks on the day
Previous Meetings
25th August 2013 – Yorkshire Rams 20 – 22 Sheffield Predators
19th May 2013 – Sheffield Predators 28 – 19 Yorkshire Rams
Players To Watch
Yorkshire Rams:
Chris Lawton
Coming off the back of a successful 2014 season, Defensive MVP Chris Lawton will be looking to match his tally of 2 interceptions in this fixture last season. Having picked off the opposition on 12 separate occasions in 2014, the Rams DB will be looking for more this term.
Sheffield Predators:
Anthony ‘Eli’ Marsden
Having played for the Rams over the last few years, Linebacker Anthony ‘Eli’ Marsden has switched allegiances over the winter and no doubt will be looking forward to renewing some old friendships on the field, in the best way he knows how; By hitting them hard!
We look forward to welcoming our neighbours to Leeds Corinthians for a big Yorkshire derby which is almost guaranteed to come with lots of drama and good football.
Entry is free to spectators and is a double header with the Junior team, who are also playing the Predators.
The Junior kickoff is scheduled for 12pm and the Senior game will kickoff around 3pm. We hope to see you all there.
