Last weekend saw the Sussex Thunder host their annual Combine, this time with special event organiser Global Gridiron Scouting Limited, a specialist scouting company aiming to place college, Semi Professional and Professional players around the world. With this global stretch the event was attended by players across Europe.

Alongside the many veteran players, who clearly had been working hard during the off season there were some very exciting new prospective players really showing their skills, putting up some great numbers.

With strength and speed checked off, its onwards to the Rookie Day which is to be held Sunday 5^th of February 2012 at Surrenden Field, Brighton from 1030 until 1400. This session is open to all players regardless of experience, for further details contact recruitment@sussexthunder.com.

Colchester Gladiators 12 – 25 Sussex Thunder

The Thunder travelled to Colchester confident of putting another win on the board, but a mixture of a strong first half performance by the Gladiators, a number of unforced errors by the visitors and some debatable refereeing decisions almost gave the bottom of the conference team a surprise win over the probable play-off bound Thunder.

The Thunder offence, which has made a habit of scoring on its opening drive this year, stuttered right from the off, and it was no surprise when when a long pass over the middle found a Colchester reciever wide open, only a desperation tackle bringing him down close to the goal line preventing the score. However, RB Casey Campbell opened the scoring with a 2 yard effort on the very next play. The PAT was blocked by the Dom Gould.

Despite some hard running from TK Chisango and Paul Robinson, the Thunder offence was still struggling. A long completion from QB Kington to Andy Miles put the visitors in scoring range but to no avail.
A big hit from DE Alan Holmes on Colchester QB Curtis Bourke meant both players having to leave the game, Bourke with a broken hand and Holmes with a broken finger.

The home defence were putting on a stellar performance, AJ Crabbe making the first of his two interceptions on the day. The Thunder at last started to get things moving and levelled the game up when Robinson went in from 3 yards out. Chris Percival kicked the extra point to give Sussex the lead.

With the Gladiators now restricted to mainly a running game, due to Bourkes injury, the Thunder defence were starting to get on top and they extended their lead when, with Colchester pinned inside their own 5, Defensive Tackle Dave Lawrey burst through to tackle the ball carrier in the end zone for a 2 point safety.
Half-time came with the Gladiators a little unlucky to be behind by 9-6.

Sussex kicked off the second half and a stunning return by Crabbe put the home side back in front, returning the ball 78 yards for the score. Colchester lined up to kick the extra point, but what followed was probably the turning point in the game. A poor snap was juggled by the holder and the loose ball was recovered by Jamie Wilkinson who ran 80 yards to the Gladiators end zone, straight-arming off two or three defenders on the way, and all this for just two points. This made the scoreline 12-11 to the home side.

With running back Casey Campbell proving a thorn in the Thunder’s side, the game was still on the line, but gradually the Thunder began to wear the Glads down and Kington found Adam Fishlock for the go ahead touchdown. The PAT was good and the visitors now lead 18-12.

With the Glad’s offence now being totally shut down by the Thunder defensive effort, the visitors kept getting the ball in good field position and finally broke through again with a short touchdown run up the middle from Chisango. Percival kicked his third extra point of the day to make the score 25-12.

Colchester showed they still had fight in them with two late interceptions as the Thunder tried to put the game totally out of reach, Crabbe grabbing his second of the afternoon, but they were unable to move the ball and the final whistle blew giving the Thunder another win and moving them to 6 & 2 on the season.

Head Coach Ian Ellis said after the game “We came out slow and lacking a bit of drive, and got handed a lesson. The Gladiators certainly played better than their record and really, deserved to be in front at the half. We improved in the second half and deserved to win the game in the end. My team is young and still learning, today was another big lesson for them. We dodged a big bullet here today.”
The Thunder can practically cement a play-off berth with a win at the Cardinals next week, but a trip to Ipswich is never an easy task at any time!

Te Sussex Thunder will be continuing their preseason training by going on the road to 3 different locations in the Sussex Area over the next three weeks.

The Thunder will be out the next three Saturdays recruiting in town centres and will be training in the area the following day.   Payers and volunteers of all ages are welcome to check out what we do and hopefully decide to become a part.  

Sunday 6^th Feb

Worthing

Worthing High School

Youth and Junior practice – 10am

Senior – 11am

Sunday 13^th Feb

Brighton and Hove

Surrenden Field (Withdean Sports Complex)

Youth and Junior practice – 10am

Senior – 11am

Sunday 20^th Feb

Crawley (Bewbush)

Breezehurst Pavilion, Breezehurst Drive.

Youth and Junior practice – 10am

Senior – 11am

Please arrive at least 15 mins before practice starts.

I f you are interested in American Football and fancy joining the club, please email recruitment@sussexthunder.com

After a great first session, the Thunder are back at Surrenden Field this Sunday for the second preseason practice.  The Thunder are still recruiting and anyone who wishes to join the team should come down and check it out.

Youth Practice – 10-12

Senior Practice – 11-2

Please meet half an hour before practice starts at Withdean Sports Complex car park.

recruitment@sussexthunder.com

It is with great regret, due to the adverse weather conditions the Sussex Thunder Committee have had to make the decision to postpone the Combine and AGM until further notice. We do understand that these two events must happen, but in the interests of safety and logistics we cannot go ahead this weekend. Please check back for  an update.

The Sussex Thunder will be kicking off their 2011 season before Christmas at their annual Combine event.  This event is designed for returning players as well as new recruits to come along, meet the coaches, and have their speed, strength and Agility tested in preparation for the 2011 season. All players, youth and senior are invited to attend the event which starts at 12 noon.

The event will be taking place at Broadbridge Heath Athletic Club where the Thunder has secured the use of the indoor athletic training facility.  The event will be followed by the club’s annual general meeting.

Head Coach Tony Stitt said:  “We will be setting the foundations for the season this side of The Christmas break as I want to give all the players something to be working towards for the upcoming season.  We hope it will be a great day for all.”

The Thunder will also be announcing the appointment of the Youth team Head coach on the day and all Youth team players will be expected to be in attendance to participate in the testing and meeting their new head coach.

Players will also be taken for a lifting master class by the club’s strength and Conditioning coach James West.  James has a wealth of experience in his day job as S&C coach for the Sussex County Cricket Club and is a great addition to the coaching set up.

If anyone is interested in attending the Combine, please contact recruitment@sussexthunder.com or simply show up on the day.