The Cassidy Jets have unveiled their latest signings, quarterback Neil Balthazaar; wide receiver David Sonne and free safety Bryan Over.
The trio of Canadians have been with the squad for almost a month but have been unable to make their debuts because of Eurbowl regulations regarding the number of North Americans that can play in any one game. Whilst Neil and David were both members of the Bristol Aztecs side that lost to the Jets in a hard fought semi-final last season, Bryan will be making his British debut.
The three compatriots will be reunited for the first time since playing for semi-professional outfit the Milton Marauders in their native Canada. The three are all graduates of the University of Guelph which is situated just 60 miles from Toronto. Balthazaar started at quarterback for the Universtiy, leading them to an unbeaten start and their first ever top ten National ranking before missing out through injury. Sonne emerged as Bristol's top receiver late in the year leading the club in receptions over the final three games.
Coach Gerry McManus expressed his delight at the triple signing coup "They've been with the team for a while now and I'm looking forward to finally seeing them in action. Neil's a leader and has won wherever he's played, he also has a great chemistry with David which will benefit the offence. On the other side of the ball Bryan's a tremendous athlete and will be stepping into a defensive backfield that has performed incredibly well against some of the best QB/wide receiver combos In Europe".
The Cassidy Jets finally get their domestic season underway in the British American Football League's Premier Division when they entertain local rivals the Birmingham Bulls this Sunday afternoon. It'll be the fourth meeting between the two clubs with the Coventry side holding a 3-0 lead in the series. This year should see the fiercest battles yet as the Cassidy Jets have added two more former Bulls to their roster in the shape of GB Lion's star running back Kofi Campbell and quarterback Stuart Ennis.
McManus is amongst the names that have previously appeared on the Bulls roster and is excited about facing his former club "I'm really looking forward to our first regular season game and it doesn't get much better then facing the Birmingham Bulls. There's been a great rivalry between the two teams over the years due to the close proximity of our two cities and also the movement of players between both clubs which always ensures a full blooded encounter".
This weekend also sees the debut of the Cassidy Jets senior flag team. Two league games played in Kent on Saturday will mark the first time that the Jets have fielded a team in this age bracket. The Kent Exiles and West Kent Wing-Dings provide the opposition for the opening round of fixtures in this non-contact version of the sport.