Cats Rookie’s make early impact

Posted in: Cambridgeshire Cats, BAFL 2    By Matt Caey Dec 11, 2007 - 9:10:35 AM

 

The Cambridgeshire Cats head into the holiday break having completed 5 rookie training sessions with excellent attendances. Returning players have also used the opportunity to brave the harsh conditions at Cats Field, Coldhams Common, to improve their fitness and help coach the newcomers. This early start to pre-season was a huge contributing factor to the Cats success in 07, and afforded the new intake enough time to get acclimated with what for some was an entirely new sporting experience.

Standout wide receiver James Wyatt.

Parr’s (in camouflage) years of flag help him gain the advantage in non-kitted training

The “Rookie Class of '07” has set a very high bench mark for the new players to aspire to, epitomised by Co-Rookie MVP'S James Wyatt and Dave Parr. Wyatt, a speedster at wide out made an immediate impact with a 33 yard grab on his debut in American Football! He finished the year with 8 receptions for 90 yards and scored his first touchdown away to the Maidstone Pumas. Also a regular on special teams Wyatt amassed 5 solo tackles. Wyatt is keen to carry over his form from 2007 . Making the transition from flag football to the BAFL, Parr showed the transference of skills necessary to play the kitted game. He found himself playing a number of positions including defensive end, defensive tackle, on the offensive line and special teams. Parr made 14 tackles 2 of which were for a loss and had a quarterback hurry - although his contribution in the trenches isn't done justice by his numbers.

Head Coach Rick Bice has been so impressed with the dedication and potential of this years’ group of rookies that he made the bold statement, "I am so confident in this group of players that I can guarantee that there will be rookies starting for the Cats in '08. They will be game ready come April and I doubt that our opposition will be able to spot who is new to the sport and who has been playing for years". Team Captain Martin Brown added, "These guys are picking the game up so quickly!  They are clearly good athletes and the coaches are having to progress much quicker with drills and training than they anticipated".

Team Captain Martin Brown leads the newcomers by example.

Amongst the group of newcomers are some stars for the future - including Alex Morris, a former strongman competitor who is looking forward to getting in some kit on and putting his power to great effect. “Alleycat” Ally Minto is set to become the understudy to arguably BAFL2's premier running back Dom Fox. “Jiggy” Jon-William Scott rejoins his teammates Dave Parr and Martin Brown from his flag days with the National Championship winning Fen Harriers. Scott hopes to emulate the success of his former teammates and push for a starting place in the Cats defensive secondary. Other newcomers have also impressed in these practices and the Cats look forward to recognising their accomplishments in due course.

Anyone interested in joining the Cats should contact Head Coach Bice on 07834 269162 or come along to the open practices running up until the 16^th December at Cats Field, Coldhams Common Cambridge, Sundays form 11:30am. More information can be found on www.CambridgeshireCats.com   

 

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