The Coventry Cassidy Jets have teamed up with the Coventry Telegraph to give away a free family ticket to every reader for their home opener versus the Bristol Aztecs. The Jets will be hoping to bounce back from a defeat in Europe but know their work will be cut out for them when they face their fiercest rivals at the Sphinx on Sunday May 10th. The two teams last met in the 2008 playoff semi-final when rookie sensation Fraser Houston's late field goal proved the difference with the Jets edging an exciting match 31-28.
Jets Secretary Adam Etheridge is hoping for the backing of a big crowd "It's the toughest possible way to start our domestic season. Bristol are a well drilled, physical side and always give us a very tough match. They've improved their squad this year and many fancy them to take the title. It'll be the first game we've played as Champions and that adds a little pressure as team's know that we're the benchmark and they have to go through us to get to the top".
"It's been a while since we've played in a venue that befits the team that we've built and it would be fantastic to see the fans come back and provide a bit of vocal backing for us. We've had crowds of 2000 in the past and it's important that we start to bring them back. The Telegraph have given us great support over the years and this promotion is our way of giving something back to both them and the fans".
Aztecs' Chairman Pete Jones is also looking forward to the mouth watering contest "our rivalry has become one of the fiercest in the Country, despite the two teams only playing each other for the first time in 2006. Coventry have won all 5 of the meetings so far, but every game has been exciting, not only due to the high standard of football played by both teams, but also due to personal rivalries built up by players on both sides".
"Both teams know each other well as many of the players have represented the GB Lions together and our Head Coach, Mark Hopkins, and his Jets counterpart, Gerry McManus, have been friends since they played for the Birmingham Bulls together in the 1990's. In the last two years, the Aztecs lost two of their historic rivals in the London Olympians and Southern Sundevils, both of whom now play in lower divisions, so for us as a club it's great to have those rivalries replaced by an exciting new one which we hope will continue for years to come".
Bristol will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing first outing of the season as they lost out 40-16 at home to the London Blitz. Gareth Dauley, the running back that gained over 200 yards against the Jets in Britbowl XXII, once again spearheaded a formidable Blitz ground game and will have encouraged the Jets as they scramble to put together a new playbook.
Kofi Campbell will be looking forward to running behind a rebuilt offensive line after gaining 139 yards on just 16 carries in the playoff win last year. Converted cornerback Dominic Olney looks set to get the start at quarterback after a successful spell in the same role at the University of Southampton. Olney, who led the team in tackles; passes defended and interceptions last year, will attempt to fill the shoes vacated by Britbowl XXII MVP Dax Michelena.
You can see the 2008 National Champion Coventry Cassidy Jets begin their domestic campaign this coming Sunday (10th of May) at Coventry Sphinx FC. The game kicks off at 14:30 and entrance is free for under 12s. Adults pay £3 or £5 for a family ticket which permits entrance to 2 adults and 3 children.