ESSEX BLADES
Various pictures available on website, below:
Current League: BUAFL
Based: University of Essex, Wivenhoe, nr. Colchester
Career Record: 24-29-3
Colours: Red Shirts with Black writing and White Trim, Black Helmets, Black Pants, Red/Black
Socks
Website: http://www.essexblades.com
Honours: BCAFL South Eastern Division Champions 2006/2007
2007/2008 BUAFL Southern Conference Eastern Division 4-4-0
2006/2007 BCAFL Southern Conference Eastern Division 8-0-0
2005/2006 BCAFL Southern Conference Eastern Division 4-3-1
2004/2005 BCAFL Southern Conference Eastern Division 5-3-0
2003/2004 BCAFL Southern Conference Eastern Division 3-4-1
2002/2003 BCAFL Southern Conference Eastern Division 0-8-0
2001/2002 BCAFL Southern Conference Eastern Division 0-7-1
Team Notes: Entered the BCAFL for the 2001/2002 season. Played two friendlies against the
Plymouth Blitz and one against the UEA Pirates at the beginning of 2001. Battled hard in the
opening season under HC Andy Laing, but finished with a winless record. Same again in
2002/2003 where they fell to a 0-8-0 record. Kevin Sharman was appointed Head Coach and they
won their first games in 2003, when they finished that season 3-4-1 and also appeared on Sky
Sports after playing Colchester Gladiators in a friendly for the Gladiators 20th
anniversary.
Turned round a pre-Christmas record of 1-3-0 to make the playoffs in 2004/2005, losing to
eventual National Champions Birmingham Lions in the first round. Former Colchester Gladiators
and Tiptree Titans HC, Neil O'Hare was appointed Head Coach for 2005/2006, going 4-3-1 before
leading the team to an undefeated regular season in 2006/2007, including a win at local
powerhouse Hertfordshire Hurricanes. Won their first playoff game versus Brighton Tsunami
before finally capitulating to eventual National Champions UWE Bullets. Joined the mass exodus
from BCAFL to BUAFL for the 2007/2008 season, posting an even record.
Also own a 2-4-0 record in annual varsity match known as the Pride of East Anglia Bowl
contested versus local rivals UEA Pirates.
Head Coaches:
2005-Present - Neil O'Hare
2003-2005 - Kevin Sharman
2000-2003 - Andy Laing
|
|
