BAFL2 Pacemakers clash at Cats Field

Once again Bank Holiday weekend means Britball at Cats Field, as the early pacesetters of the East entertain their counterparts from the South West. By no means are the Cats or the Thrashers the only undefeated teams in BAFL2, but Hampshire’s 51-6 demolition of the Renegades last week puts them at 4-0 and they’ll be keen to become the first team this season to reach the halfway mark undefeated, realistically within reach of the teams first playoff berth since forming in 2005. The Cats 3-0 start is also their best in recent memory, however with local rivals Saxons hosting struggling Milton Keynes, a Cats loss would most likely level up the division.

The two teams share similar recent histories, with the Cats rebirth coinciding with the formation of the then Andover team. 2005 saw both sides struggle with small squads, however both gained respect from opponents with gutsy ‘Ironman’ Football. Losing seasons were bettered in 2006 as the Thrashers reached a respectable .500; the Cats in the meantime went marginally better with a 5-4-1 record. The similarity continued into 2007 when a 7-3 Cats were knocked out of the playoffs by South Wales, whose 50-37 home victory contributed to the 7-3 Thrashers narrowly missing out on the playoffs themselves.

Fox will look to lead the way in the Cats first meeting with the Thrashers.

The comparisons lend themselves well to what promises to be an intriguing inaugural meeting between the two sides. This season the Thrashers have averaged 31.25 points per game, however 51 of these came in their only road game so far this season. For their part, the Cats concede just 2 points per game, and their defense is yet to be scored on. After a slow start, the Cats offense averages nearly 40 points, with 2 quarterbacks sharing 10 touchdowns between them and 5 different running backs having found the endzone. Add to that the nine other Cats have scored and their multi-faceted offense will severely test the Thrashers 5 points conceded per game average.

How will this titanic clash pan out? Will two strangers with such similar pasts produce the classic they threaten to? All spectators are welcome to come down and find out at Cats Field, Coldhams Common, this Sunday 25 May from 14:30.  

Photo courtesy of Cambridgeshire Cats