US Football Boom Set For Scunny

By Nigel Fisher, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Saturday, January 23rd, 1988

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Scunthorpe is poised to become the biggest centre for American Football outside of the United States and Canada.

And thousands of schoolchildren throughout Humberside are to be offered the chance to take up the fast-growing sport.

The British School of American Football is to be based in Scunthorpe, together with the United Kingdom American Football League – a totally new set-up involving the Scunthorpe Steelers and a number of the other top teams formerly in the Budweiser competition.

International games are to be played at Quibell Park, the Steelers’ home, where the Great Britain squad will train.

College teams from the United States will visit from time to time and summer camps are planned.

Scunthorpe Steelers chairman Edwin Eddy forecast today: “Subject to negotiations with Scunthorpe Borough Council, the town of Scunthorpe can become the citadel of American Football on a long-term basis.

This will be the only thing of its type in Europe and in five years time the Steelers could be the best amateur team in Europe.”

SCHOOL SHOWS

Quibell Park – regarded as one of the top American Football stadiums in Britain – will be the centre-piece of the whole package, which will really put Scunthorpe on the American Football map.

Local schools will receive lecture shows, films and demonstrations on the game, backed up by day-time schooling at Quibell Park, where sponsorship money will make available a full range of equipment.

Schools and county leagues will develop from that, it is hoped, with the best players graduating to the Junior Steelers team and then the senior side in the new UKAFL.

Chairman Eddy is at pains to stress that the American Football development at Quibell Park is in no way intended to stop other sports from using the stadium.

That is not the footballers’ aim or something Scunthorpe Borough Council would consider as owners of the stadium.

“We in no way wish to exclude existing sports in the town from using the stadium,” he declared. “We will work round them and not expect them to work round us.

“We intend to use it at times when it’s not in use – in the mornings, afternoons and evenings in midweek, plus weekends, with the council’s permission.”

The British School of American Football will be run by Robin Burton, as director of education, assisted by Shay Eddy and other members of the Steelers’ coaching staff.

Robin, and American, has coached the Great Britain squad, and came to Scunthorpe recently as head coach to the Steelers.

Shay is a player and coach with the local club and one of the hard-working backroom staff.

Once a work permit has been arranged, they will be joined by top American football college coach Kendall Rogers, from the Southern Methodist University in Carolina.

“They will provide a professional education course and it will be regarded as such by the Sports Council,” said Edwin Eddy.

The new United Kingdom league will be run from offices on the Queensway Industrial Estate in Scunthorpe, where a video library will be housed.

It will be a totally amateur league for five years, embracing every team in the country now outside the Budweiser National Division, who have opted to go semi-professional, therefore putting themselves outside Sports Council aid.

In five years time the UKAFL will be able to opt to go professional.

“The teams should have as good a set-up as the American high school leagues,” said Edwin Eddy.

*Sports fans wishing to see how American Football operates are welcome at Ashby Ville tomorrow, where Scunthorpe Steelers juniors and seniors will be put through their paces by head coach Robin Burton from noon to 4pm.

 

Steelers’ New Man Barred

By Nigel Fisher, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Wednesday, February 3

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Immigration official in London have refused entry to an American Football coach signed up by the Scunthorpe Steelers.

He was deported without ever leaving London’s Heathrow Airport.

And it’s a blow to the club’s plans to make Scunthorpe the biggest centre for American Football outside the United States and Canada.

Coach Kendal Rogers was “grilled” for three hours before being put back on a plane to Miami.

Steelers’ spokesman Shay Eddy, who was there at the time, admitted: “I didn’t feel very proud to be British.”

Shay and new chief coach Robin Burton – himself an American – motored down to Heathrow to collect Kendal.

No problems were expected but a 90-minute search failed to locate the new member of staff. Eventually they discovered that he was being questioned by Immigration staff.

“We applied before Christmas for a work permit on his behalf but hadn’t heard anything,” said Shay.

“The idea was for him to come across as a visitor, meet the team, ho back home and then return.

“He flew over from Miami on a single ticket because we didn’t know his date of return. The chap didn’t have much cash on him to sustain living here and immigration became suspicious. He became confused.

“I corroborated his story but they wouldn’t swerve – that’s the great British bureaucracy.”

Shay admitted: “It’s a big blow. We met him, he’s a very nice fellow and is bitterly disappointed.

“He’s gone back to the States and will see the British consulate in Miami and get a letter of consent. We hope he’ll soon be back with us.”

*Two weeks ago the Steelers announced plans which could make Scunthorpe the biggest centre for American Football on this side of the Atlantic.

The British School of American Football is set to be based in Scunthorpe, together with the United Kingdom American Football League. The idea is to take American Football into schools throughout Humberside... with Kendal Rogers one of the coaches.

 

Steelers Go On Bomber Offensive

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Saturday, March 12

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Scunthorpe Steelers get back into American Football action tomorrow after the winter break when they take on Lincoln Bombers at Quibell Park (3pm).

It is being billed as a Humberside v Lincolnshire county challenge match, writes Nigel Fisher.

Steelers fans will get their first chance to look at the team since American Robin Burton took over.

“We are going to be using a balanced offence,” he promised, “and looking to throw 50 per cent o f the time. What they give us will dictate what we will do.”

The Steelers will have quite a few new faces on show – including defensive secondary/running back Everton Harris and defensive lineman Nigel Bemrose.

However, several of the original Steelers from ’84 remain, although some will be operating in new roles.

“We have an Iron defence and a steel offence,” Burton stressed.

Immediately after tomorrow’s game all junior players and their parents are invited to a meeting in the cafeteria to hear plans put forward by Robin Buton and his new assistant Kendall Rogers.

*Steelers’ new trainer, defensive co-ordinator and assistant head coach from the United States, has finally made it to South Humberside.

Kendall Rogers (36) was refused entry by customs officials at Heathrow Airport last month and sent back to the Deep South following an argument over whether his entry papers were in order.

However, he bears no grudges, having visited this country twice before in 1979 and 1984 – without a problem.

“I have always been interested in England and have good memories of the country,” he said. “Andy I certainly don’t have any unkind thoughts about it as a place. The people are incredibly friendly.”

Kendall has held coaching appointments at several colleges in the States, including Mississippi, Hattiesburg and Louisiana.

 

Bombshell As Steelers Lose To Lincoln

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, March 14

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There was a real shock for the new-look Scunthorpe Steelers when they went down 13-6 to Lincoln Bombers at Quibell Park on Saturday.

During the close season, Scunthorpe have signed up two American coaches. But in the Linncolnshire v Humberside Challenge Match, Lincoln dropped on them what chairman Edwin Eddy described as a “bombshell”.

Lincoln have has six pre-season games already, and the Steelers’ defence was run ragged by the visitors’ rushing strategy in the early stages.

The Bombers went 6-0 up in the first quarter and increased that to 13-0 by half-time.

At the other end, the Steelers attempted a number of “long bomb” passes to the receivers but they were dropped, or off target.

In the second half, the Bombers’ running game was shot down, while Scunthorpe quarterback Simon Huxfored was only inches away from having passes caught.

But the Steelers’ only replay came from a fumbled field goal attempt. Kicker Steve Rack juggled with the ball and eventually worked it to Huxford who rushed 20 yards for a touchdown.

Afterwards, chairman Eddy promised a lot of hard work and said his team were looking forward to evening the score with Lincoln.

However, he admitted “the best team won”.

Scunthorpe included 24 rookies in their line-up.

“This must not be taken to mean too much. This is how the coaching staff view it. The real success of the day was the superb sideline organisation under new head coach Robin Burton, assistant coach Kendall Rogers and his sideline co-ordinators,” said Edwin.

A crowd of 140 saw the match – not bad for a pre-season friendly.

The Steelers have arranged another ore-season game for Sunday when they take on Kingston Liberators at Ashby Ville (1.30pm).

On Sunday, March 27, they meet Locomotive Derby at Quibell Park.

*Following the Lincoln game, youngsters were given the chance to meet the new Steelers’ coaching staff in the cafeteria. The club “signed up” quite a few and training will be held on Saturday afternoons at Ashby Ville (1.30pm).

 

Steelers Back On Course

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, March 21

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Scunthorpe Steelers got back to winning ways when they beat Kingston Liberators (Hull) 13-0 in an American Football pre-season friendly at Ashby Ville.

It was a confidence booster after that shock defeat against Lincoln last week.

The Steelers went ahead in the second quarter when Sikoke Litaba ran through from a T-formation cross from 20 yards out.

The scoring was completed in the fourth quarter when a trick play ended with Simon Huxford receiving a 32-yarder in the end zone from Tom Bell. Steve Rack tagged on the point after.

*On Sunday the Steelers end their pre-season build-up with a match against Locomotive Derby at Quibell Park.

 

Steelers Home To Derby

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Friday, March 25

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Scunthorpe Steelers complete their pre-season friendlies on Sunday when they entertain Locomotive Derby at Quibell Park (3pm).

Scunthorpe lost surprisingly to Lincoln Bombers but came back to beat Kingston Liberators last week.

Chairman Edwin Eddy stressed: “We have tried lots of new things – we’ve thrown the ball a lot.”

The man to watch out for on the Derby side is running back Clifford Mitchell, who played alongside a number of Steelers last autumn when England beat Australia at Derby.

The American Football league season is now only three weeks away for Scunthorpe, who visit Newcastle Senators on April 17.

Bookings for the supporters’ coach will be taken at Sunday’s game. Cost £4.50 (children half-price).

 

Steelers Sign American Duo

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Saturday, March 26

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Scunthorpe Steelers will parade two new American signings when they meet Locomotive Derby in an American Football pre-season friendly at Quibell Park tomorrow (3pm).

Rick Saunders (ex-University of Wisconsin) is a middle linebacker with a strong tackle.

Michael Gray (safety/half-back/wide receiver) spent four years with Arkansas Razorbacks and was also with the Memphis Showboats in the professional USFL.

Both are Americans resident in Britain and played for Steelers new head coach, Robin Burton, at his former club.

Steelers’ spokesman Shay Eddy said: “In an ideal world we would like to play only British players but teams in our division spend tens of thousands of pounds in importing American players. So you have to meet fire with fire!”

 

Promising Debuts By Americans

By Nigel Fisher, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, March 28

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Scunthorpe Steelers’ two new American-born stars were well to the fore in a 17-8 defeat of Locomotive Derby at Quibell Park yesterday.

Linebacker Rick Saunders and wide receiver/safety Michael Gray had promising debuts in the last of Scunthorpe’s pre-season friendlies.

With big changes in personnel during the close season, and a whole host of new plays to be mastered, the new-look Steelers will clearly have to keep up their hard work in the remaining three weeks before the league opens.

But the defence looks very solid, while more variety is now being offered offensively, with both passing and running plays.

Several heavy showers did not make handling conditions easy yesterday.

The Steelers came closes to a touchdown in th opening quarter, getting to the Derby one-yard lin. But they could not find the end zone and had to be content with a 3-0 lead, courtesy of a Steve Rack field goal.

Scunthorpe stepped up a gear in the second quarter with Maurice Newton rushing eight yards for the opening touchdown and Rack tagging on the point-after to make it 10-0.

Newcomer Gray won applause on a punt reception, holding off three attempted tackles to make good ground from deep inside his own half.

Derby’s main threat came from Clifton Mitchell, who has played for England along with a number of the Steelers. But he was closely watched.

He did help engineer a drive to within two-and-a-half yards of the Scunthorpe end zone by the home defence held firm and set up the most exciting play of the match.

On fourth down, Derby tried to pass wide on the right into the end zone but Mark Gosnell intercepted to return fully 70 yards before being halted with sight of the Derby line.

Scunthorpe put that position to good use, and Newton eventually went on a four-yard touchdown run.

Again Rack’s kick was good and the Steelers were 17-0 to the good by half-time.

Exchanges were pretty even in the third quarter, with Racking missing a 25-yard field goal after receiving an indifferent snap.

Derby deservedly reduced the arrears with a short-range touchdown and followed up with a successful running play to make it 17-8.

Scunthorpe almost pulled of a spectacular, late TD when quarterback Huxford picked out Steve White with a 25-yard “bomb” but the receiver, at full stretch, went out the end zone and the score was ruled out.

New head coach Robin Burton was obviously pleased at the opportunity to test his players under match conditions against reasonable opposition.

“We got everybody in to play,” he stressed.

*Linebacker Terry Wells sustained a broken arm during the match – only his third outing for the Steelers. H was detained in hospital overnight.

COACH STUCK IN MUD

Sweat and toil did not end with the final whistle for the Locomotive Derby players against Scunthorpe Steelers at Quibell Park on Sunday.

Their double-decker bus – parked on the grass behind the park arena, was stuck in the mud and the players had to use brute force to shove it clear.

Only then could they troop wearily to the dressing room for a shower.

Clearly not their day!

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Third Amigo For Steelers

By Nigel Fisher, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, April 11

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A third American-born player has joined Scunthorpe Steelers as they prepare for the start of the new American Football league season on April 17 at Newcastle Senators.

He is Billy Bacon (running back/safety), a vastly experienced player.

Like Rick Saunders and Mike Gray who made their debuts in the pre-season friendly with Locomotive Derby at Quibell Park, he has played under Steelers’ coach Robin Burton before. And that’s a big advantage.

“These lads know Robin’s offensive and defensive strategy,” said spokesman Shay Eddy.

Billy was educated in the Miami area and, while at high school, was the all-time leading rusher.

Gray, Saunders and Bacon are already being likened to the Denver Broncos’ trio of friends, known as the Three Amigos.

Debut

Scunthorpe’s three newcomers will make their debuts in the league opener at Newcastle.

Opening day Premier fixtures are Huskies (Birmingham) v Mansfield Express, Swansea Dragons, v Cotswold Bears, Brighton B52s v Crawley Raiders, Eastbourne Crusaders Portsmouth Warriors, Farnham Knights v Kent Rams.

Steelers’ head coach Robin Burton and Shay Eddy have been making their predictions for teams to make the end-of-season play-offs.

ROBIN. Scottish Conference Granite City Oilers; Northern, Steelers/Newcastle; North Midlands, Locomotive Derby; East Midlands, Milton Keynes Bucks; Western, Bristol Packers; North London, Ashton Oilers; South London, Heathrow Jets; Southern, Brighton B52s.

SHAY: Scottish Conference Granite City Oilers; Northern, Steelers/Newcastle; North Midlands, Locomotive Derby; East Midlands, Cambridge County Cats; Western, Bristol Packers; North London, Colchester Gladiators; South London, Heathrow Jets; Southern, Brighton B52s.

*Scunthorpe is to score and American Football first during early July when a group of cheerleaders from the University of Southern Mississippi come to town to give clinics for interested local boys and girls.

Yes, boys! For two members of the party are make and call themselves cheers, as opposed to cheerleaders.

 

Steelers Are Raring To Go

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Saturday, April 16

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Scunthorpe Steelers kick off their American Football league season tomorrow with a difficult trip to Newcastle Senators in the Premier Division Northern Section.

But now American-born head coach Robin Burton says: “We’re certainly looking forward to it. The team is ready. We got out of pre-season just what we wanted.”

Scunthorpe will be taking a squad of 48 players and will be well-supported with a supporters’ coach leaving Ashby Ville at 11am – two hours after the players.

Included in the Steelers’ line-up are the Three Amigos – Rick Saunders, Michael Gray and Bill Bacon – who have all played under ex-Chelmsford Cherokee chief Burton before.

Saunders and Gray made their debuts in the pre-season defeat of Locomotive Derby at Quibell Park. But Bacon will be making his tomorrow.

“Billy played for me all last season and led Chelmsford Cherokees on interceptions,” said the head coach. “He’s not as fast as Michael but is the same type of player. I anticipate him as a safety and returning punts and kick-offs. He’s got tremendous vision.”

Newcastle, who play at the internationally famous Gateshead athletics stadium, have been demoted from the National section, although their playing record was not all that bad. So they are out to prove a point.

They recently merged with Tyneside Trojans.

*Scunthorpe’s first home game is on Sunday, May 1, when they meet old rivals Steel City Giants (Sheffield) at Quibell Park.

 

Steelers Let It Slip To The Senators

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, April 18

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Scunthorpe Steelers made a disappointing start to their American Football league season when they went down 19-15 away to Newcastle Senators yesterday.

The Geordies were in the National Section of the Budweiser League last season, but were demoted to the Premier Division of the Northern Section.

“They are hot favourites to win the Premier,” spokesman Shay Eddy said. “But it was very disappointing.”

Scunthorpe were leading until late into the game but then let it slip.

“We had it sewn up and we were the better team on the day – physically and talent wise,” said Shay. “But we shot ourselves in the foot.

Very Costly

“Quarterback Simon Huxford was intercepted four times and sacked twice, while Tom Bell was intercepted twice!”

The first quarter was a virtual stalemate, but the Steelers forced Newcastle back to their two-yard line, where they fumbled the ball and kicked it out of their endzone for a two-point safety rather than risk a possible touchdown.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern, but Scunthorpe conceded a large amount of penalties to give good field position and, when a pass play was not covered, Newcastle went in to take a 6-2 half-time lead.

The third quarter belonged to Scunthorpe, who managed 13 unanswered points.

Pete Burns produced a 60-yard run from scrimmage to the eight-yard line where Mike Gray – one of the “Three Amigos” just signed by Scunthorpe – went in from three yards, with Steve Rack adding the extra point.

Intercepted

Maurice Newton then dived in from three yards for another TD, but this time Rack’s attempt missed.

The score stayed at 15-6 to the Steelers for some time, but the defence conceded a large penalty, and then a defensive mistake led to a 58-yard scoring pass play by the home team.

They added a rushing touchdown shortly afterwards.

The Steelers got the ball back but were intercepted and Newcastle ran down the clock.

The match was player in a superb setting – the international athletics track at Gateshead.

*Scunthorpe’s first home league game is on Sunday, May 1, when they entertain Steel City Giants of Sheffield at Quibell Park.

 

Gateshead 19 Scunthorpe 15

First Down

Saturday, April 23

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The Newcastle Senators recorded their first victory under a new name, Sunday, shading the Steelers 19-15.

The Geordies – now calling themselves the Gateshead International Senators – scored twice in the final quarter with Rob Grahamslaw the hero.

The Senators – dramatically ousted from the National Division in pre-season – took the lead in the second quarter when Bob Mason’s five-yard dash cancelled an early Scunthorpe safety.

But they were rocked by back-to-back TDs in the third, taking the Steelers’ edge to 15-6.

At the start of the fourth, Grahamslaw led a long march downfield which was capped by Ken Charlton’s five-yard rush.

The Senators recovered a fumble on Scunthorpe’s next play from scrimmage, and the QB fired a 50-yard bomb to Kevin Nixon for the go-ahead score.

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Steelers Suffer Another Blow

By Nigel Fisher, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, May 2

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Scunthorpe Steelers’ disappointing start to the American Football Premier Division season continued yesterday when they went down 13-7 against Steel City Giants (Sheffield).

The Quibell Park crows – estimated at 250 – saw some strong hitting by both sides and a number of players needed on-field treatment, although there were no long-lasting injuries.

It was Scunthorpe’s first home league game of the season – they were beaten at Newcastle two weeks ago – but it was not a day to remember, despite near-perfect conditions.

Scunthorpe were playing a side keen to get back into the National Division and found it difficult to progress offensively.

Tom Bell started at quarterback with Simon Huxford – so long the Steelers’ playmaker – operating as a receiver.

Early honours were even, but then came disaster with Sheffield engineering a 64-yard touchdown run down the left, and the twice-taken extra-point was good, giving the visitors a 7-0 lead.

Scunthorpe played much better in the second quarter and a good drive took them to within six yards of the Steel City end zone.

However, after a couple of unsuccessful plays and attempted pass only just short of Huxford, Scunthorpe had to try a field goal on fourth down, and Steve Rack’s kick was blocked.

That gave Steel City the ball back but Rick Saunders intercepted an attempted pass and set up another promising Scunthorpe drive.

Pete Burns took the ball to within a yard-and-a-half, and quarterback Bell eventually went in himself for a five-yard touchdown run.

Rack obliged with the kick to level matters 7-7 at half-time. Both sides made a cautious start to the third quarter. Then Burns put the visitors under pressure with an excellent 65-yard punt.

However, they weathered the storm and soon went ahead – courtesy of a Scunthorpe error. Huxford fumbled near the half-way line and Carlos Cockburn raced 45 yards for a simple touchdown. The point-after attempt failed.

The game then took on a physical air with several players needing attention after some rugged, if generally fair, hits.

Even big Rack needed a few minutes on the bench, being treated for a neck problem.

Scunthorpe tried hard in the final quarter to get back on level terms, but to no avail.

Rack’s 33-yard field goal attempt was on target, but dropped short.

Then an excellent 26-yard carry by Maurice Newton took the home team to Steel City’s eight-yard line, but Bell’s attempted touchdown pass to Huxford was intercepted in the end zone.

On Scunthorpe’s next drive, the quarterback tried to go it alone down the touchline but was bundled out of bounds.

Finally, to add salt to Scunthorpe wounds, Rack was ejected for a personal foul on the grounded Sam Fisher.

After two defeats the Steelers will be hoping for a more successful outing on Sunday when they entertain Washington Presidents (3.00).

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Early-lead Steelers Forced Into Tough Draw

By Nigel Fisher, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, May 9

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Scunthorpe Steelers shared the spoils 6-6 with Washington Presidents in a hard-fought American Football Premier Division clash at Quibell Park yesterday.

After losing narrowly in their opening games against Newcastle and Steel City Giants, Scunthorpe were looking to notch their first league win.

They led until early in the fourth quarter, but then strong Washington pressure paid off with the equaliser. And a tie was a fair result.

It all began so well for Scunthorpe who took a very early lead when Peter Burns’ pass to Simon Huxford gave good position and Paul Wray eventually went in for an eight-yard touchdown.

However, the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the home team 6-0 to the good.

Washington’s best play involved running back Young who continued to gain good yardage down the centre, while the versatile Burns managed punts and punt returns as well as attempting the Steelers place kicks in the absence of injured and suspended Steve Rack.

Scunthorpe went close when Mike Gray intercepted a pass for a 23-yard return.

That took the Steelers to the 21-yard line but they failed on three running plays and the fourth down bomb pass by quarterback Tom Bell to wide receiver Huxford fell short.

With less than half-a-minute on the clock in the first half, Sargent picked out a loose pass 20 yards out and went into the endzone after a powerful run. But the score was ruled out for illegal blocking by rookie Nigel Bemrose.

The third quarter opened with John Strachan soon on a superb 42-yard carry to the Washington 32-yard line. Wray drove forward a further eight yards, but the drive fizzled out as Washington this time read the Burns fake punt play and forced him out of bounds at the 14-yard line.

Play was pretty even until the early part of the fourth quarter when the visitors drew level, despite heroic work by the Steelers defence.

Washington worked the ball to the one-yard line but, on first down, Rutter’s attempted pass was pawed away by Bacon. Rutter tried to go himself but was blocked, then running back Young got to within inches of the Steelers’ line.

That took it to fourth down and Young forced his way through, only to have the touchdown ruled out on a five-yard penalty.

However, disaster then struck the home team when John Osibote had knocked away and attempted pass, then incurred a penalty, putting Washington back in striking distance once again.

And this time, when Young powered his way into the end zone, there were no flags and Washington were level. Fortunately Rutter’s kick was wide of target,

The game was very even after that with the only serious attempt from either side a 35-yard field goal from Burns which fell short.

This Sunday, the Steelers journey to Leeds Cobras.

 

Mighty Steelers Turn It On To Crush Leeds

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, May 16

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Scunthorpe Steelers turned in a magnificent performance to crush Leeds Cobras 52-6 and sew up their first victory of the season in the American Football League Premier Division.

Although Leeds were the home teams, there was never any doubt that Scunthorpe would triumph once they opened the scoring in the second quarter.

By half-time they led 25-0 and Leeds’ only reply was very much a consolation touchdown in the final quarter.

“We could have put a lot more past them as well,” stressed Steelers’ spokesman Shay Eddy. “It was a good all-round team performance, and the offense finally got its act together. The defence also played really well.”

The opening touchdown came from Maurice Newton on an eight-yard rush, while Peter Burns returned a punt for a career-best 50 yards.

Pete Carson took a 20-yard touchdown pass from starting quarterback Tom Bell, and new middle linebacker George Holland rushed into the end zone from 10 yards.

John Strachan went in from six yards off tackle, while Bell stole in from three.

Holland went in again, this time from four yards, while Paul Wray added two points to one of the touchdowns on a running play.

Burns kicked two extra points and two field goals.

There were a couple of first for the Steelers, with third-string quarterback Andy Coulson, from Wrawby, engineering a final touchdown, and Hull-based wide receiver Andy Westcott catching his first pass for good yards.

League results: Leeds Cobras 6 Scunthorpe Steelers 52; Washington Presidents 0 Steel City Giants 13; Manchester Heroes 3 Gateshead Senators 40.

 

Record Run Caps Steelers’ Triumph

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, May 30

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Scunthorpe Steelers cruised to a comfortable 46-12 victory against struggling Manchester Heroes in an American Football League Premier Northern clash at Quibell Park yesterday.

It was only the second success of the season for the home side, but with the result never in doubt, they were once again able to give all their “rookie” players a run-out.

There has been little wrong with the Scunthorpe defence this summer and coach Robin Burton will be pleased that his offence is also now beginning to click.

They scored five touchdowns throughout the match, three of them coming from Tom Bell, Pete Burns and Maurice Newton.

There was also a debut touchdown for debutant Pepi Brand, the Scunthorpe-based winger who plays professional Rugby League for Hull.

But the most spectacular touchdown of the lot came in the closing minutes from John Strachan when he collected a kick-off and raced over for a club record 94 yards.

Steve Rack also kicked two field goals for the Steelers while Manchester, anchored at the foot of the table, replied with 12 points.

“It was a good solid team performance, but the real test for us will come next Sunday when we take on Steel City Giants of Sheffield who are so far unbeaten,” said Shay Eddy.

 

Defeat Virtually Puts Steelers Out Of Play-offs

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, June 6

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Scunthorpe Steelers’ hopes of making the end-of-season American Football League play-offs all but disappeared yesterday when they went down 37-0 at Steel City Giants (Sheffield).

Sheffield and Gateshead are now hot favourites to qualify from the Premier Northern section.

And Steelers spokesman Shay Eddy admitted: “Unless Gateshead slip up, it is looking as if we are out of it.”

The first half of yesterday’s game was a ding-ding end-to-end affair, producing good entertainment for the crowd, but no points.

The third quarter saw Sheffield take a 7-0 lead, but they completely dominated the closing stages to pile up the points.

“The defence was on the pitch for so long it just could not keep up,” stressed Shay. “They scored three touchdowns against our special teams when we had to punt.

“It was very much the battle of the defences and our offence never got in good field position.

“They had a brilliant punter and all round they played a much better game. Our offence was just not in it.”

The only real bright spot for the Steelers was the fact that they picked up no injuries.

*On Sunday, they entertain Leeds Cobras at Quibell Park (3).

 

Steel City 37 Scunthorpe 0

First Down

Saturday, June 11

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The Giants more than made up for a scoreless first half, Sunday, coming back after the break to blank the Steelers 37-0.

Steve Turner opened their account with a ten-yard run, to key a second half scoring spree.

Steel City, 6-0, has not conceded a point in their last 22 quarters of football.

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Newton Strikes Put The Steelers Back On Course

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, June 13

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Scunthorpe Steelers bounce back from last week’s 37-0 defeat when they overcame Leeds Cobras 33-6 in an American Football League match at Quibell Park yesterday.

Top man in an impressive all-round display was Maurice Newton in offence. He ran over 200 yards for four touchdowns. Steve White also managed a 50-yard touchdown.

Hull Rugby League player Pepi Brand started at full-back and performed well while in defence Shaun Sargent and Marcus Thornton both played very well. Marcus wrenched his shoulder but should be fit for the next game at Manchester on June 26.

Dominic Martin gave a fine display in his first outing and as well as gaining a good interception he put in a few crucial tackles. American Billy Bacon was in lively form with some good interceptions.

In a very physical game Steelers’ discipline carried them through against a team with some talented individuals but whose conduct let them down. Even Cobras’ score was disputed.

Steelers’ last home game is against Gateshead Senators on July 3.

*After the match an eating contest among the Steelers players raised £25 for charity.

 

Steelers Secure Season’s Fourth Win

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, June 27

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Scunthorpe Steelers had a comfortable 43-6 away victory against bottom-placed Manchester Heroes yesterday in the American Football League.

It was a hard and often physical affair in which the visitors always held the edge, establishing a 27-6 lead by the halfway stage.

It was a good performance by the Steelers who were without five of their regular starting line-up, Shaun Sergeant and Marcus Thornton from the defence and Simon Huxford, Pepi Brand and Paul Wray of the offence.

There were three touchdowns each for Maurice Newton, two for Tom Bell and one for Pete Burns while Steve Rack was in good kicking form, landing one field goal and missing only two point-afters.

It was the fourth win of the season for Scunthorpe, keeping them third in the table, but they have missed their chance of a place in the end-of-season play-offs.

“Although obviously we would have liked to have made the play-offs, we are still quite pleased with the way the season has gone,” said Steelers spokesman Shay Eddy.

“This is our first season under the charge of new coach Robin Burton who has introduced some new plays and changed some of the team round quite a bit.

“It should augur well for next season, particularly if we can appear at the BSC Gala afternoon.”

The following day they are in action again at Quibell Park with a home match against Gateshead International who are currently second in the table and have clinched their play-off place.

Scunthorpe were pipped 19-15 at Gateshead in the opening match of the season and will be looking for revenge on Sunday.

“Yesterday at Manchester, Scunthorpe took the opportunity to give all their rookie players a run-out in the later stages of the game, scoring while they were on.

There were two good interceptions by Dominic Martin and Chris Carr.

 

Sunday Best And Cup For Steelers

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, July 4

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Scunthorpe Steelers produced their best performances of the season to beat Gateshead International Senators 16-2 in the American Football League at Quibell Park yesterday.

“It was a marvellous result and proved to the lads what they could have done if only they had managed to get their act together earlier in the season,” said team supremo Edwin Eddy.

It was the fourth successive victory for the Steelers, but comes too late to win a place in the competition’s end of season championship play-offs.

Backed by good local support Scunthorpe took the lead in the first quarter when some good blocking enabled John Strachan to jink his way through from 52 yards for an opening touchdown.

There was a blow in the second for the home side when they lost the services of Pete Carson with a broken finger, and during the same period Gateshead put two points on the board from a safety.

Scunthorpe continued to take the game to Gateshead with some good work on offense, but it was not until the last quarter that they sewed the game up.

Steve Rack kicked a brilliant field goal from 35 yards before quarterback Tom Bell forced his way over from a yard for the second touchdown of the game, which Rack converted.

The Steelers were also well served on the defence with two pass interceptions from John Osibote and one from Chris Carr while Mark Gosnell tipped three passes away.

It gave the Steelers revenge for their 19-15 defeat at Gateshead earlier in the season.

On Saturday the Scunthorpe squad travelled to a BSC Gala at Redcar and beat Manchester Heroes 8-0 in a challenge match played over a shorter period to win their first trophy of the season.

The Steelers complete their competitive season next Sunday when they travel to Washington Presidents for their first ever match on astro-turf surface. The players’ coach leaves at 8am and the supporters coach at 10am.

 

Steelers Finish On A High Note

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Monday, July 11

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Scunthorpe Steelers completed their competitive season in winning style yesterday with a 22-6 victory at Washington Diplomats in the American Football League.

It was the sixth success in seven matches for the Steelers who are left kicking themselves for some indifferent early season form which cost them a place in the end of season play-offs.

“Generally we are pleased with the way the teams has performed this season, but there are still areas that we need to work on and these have been identified for next season,” said spokesman Shay Eddy.

At Washington the Steelers were in command throughout against a side they could only draw 6-6 with at Quibell Park earlier in the campaign.

Steve Rack opened the scoring for them in the first quarter when he kicked a 38-yard field goal, and they increased their lead in the second quarter when Maurice Newton went over from three yards after a fine 80 yard drive.

Washington came back into the picture just before half time when they reduced the arrears to 9-6, but it was Scunthorpe back in command after the interval.

Quarterback Tom Bell sneaked over for a touchdown from two yards in the third quarter before Newton raced through again from 80 yards for his second touchdown of the match.

The final quarter remained scoreless as Scunthorpe continued to stifle the homes side’s normally fluent passing game.

Some of the individual statistics for the Steelers included Newton’s 26 carries for 174 yards and Bell’s seven carries for 30 yards.

Full-back John Strachan made 12 carries for 68 yards and Pete Carson, despite a broken finger, four receptions for 25 yards.

The Steelers will have a friendly match at Quibell Park on July 24, though the opposition has still to be arranged.

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Washington 6 Scunthorpe 21

First Down

Saturday, July 16

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Wide receiver Darren Gray made the 600-mile round trip to Scunthorpe worthwhile when he hauled in a 15-yard TD pass from Jeff Rutter during the Presidents’ 21-6 defeat by Scunthorpe.

But Gray’s glory was short-lived as Scunthorpe improved to 6-3-1 on the back of a blistering display by running back Maurice Newton.

Clocking up 174 yards and two TDs from 26 carries, Newton clinched the verdict with a 70-yard score.