Latest News
Spartans on-air once again
27th January 2012
The Spartans make their second appearance of the year on Phoenix FM on Friday, January 27th when Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Co-ordinator Sean Benton is joined by Spartan player Steve Watson.
Coach Benton and Steve will be talking all things Spartan, and the NFL season, on The Commentary Box with Dave Turner.
The Commentary Box airs every Friday night at 8pm on Phoenix FM, and the Spartans would like to express our thanks to Dave for once-again inviting us onto his show. You can hear the show live every week via the Phoenix FM website - click here to listen in!
Pre-season training update
18th January 2012
The Spartans would like to remind everyone that pre-season training now begins at 11am and runs until 2pm.
Training will take place on either the grass or the astroturf pitch at the Spartans home ground of Hannakins Farm, Billericay, so anyone wishing to take part should bring suitable footwear for both surfaces.
"SuperBowl with the Spartans" at Rileys
13th January 2012
The Spartans invite all their fans, friends, and family to join the team in watching SuperBowl XLVI on February 5th at Rileys Sports Bar in Basildon.
Rileys will be laying on a huge HD screen with surround sound, and will be serving food and drink until 4am. Tickets can be purchased in advance for £3, or £5 on the night.
Why not come down and join the Spartans as the NFL's finest do battle to decide this years SuperBowl Champion!
Coaches take to the airwaves!
12th January 2012
The Spartans are proud to announce that Head Coach Marc Saunders and Junior Head Coach Kirk Beacham will be making the team's first radio appearance of 2012 on Friday, January 13th on Phoenix FM!
Coach Saunders and Coach Beacham will be talking all things Spartan, and the NFL season, on The Commentary Box with Dave Turner.
The Commentary Box airs every Friday night at 8pm on Phoenix FM, and the Spartans would like to express our thanks to Dave for once-again inviting us onto his show. You can hear the show live every week via the Phoenix FM website - click here to listen in!
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Pre-season training
3rd January 2012
The Spartans would like to remind all players, coaches, supporters, and anyone interested in joining the team that pre-season training begins on Sunday January 8th 2012, from 12pm until 2pm.
Training will take place on the astroturf pitch at the Spartans home ground of Hannakins Farm, Billericay.
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
'Tis the season!
19th December 2011
The Spartans would like to take this opportunity wish all of our supporters, players, coaches, sideline staff, and visitors to our website a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
2011 proved to be an incredible year for the organisation, ending with the news of the promotion into Division One - meaning 2012 is shaping up already to be another exciting year ahead!
As the Spartans look to take the next step and face the challenges Division One presents, we would like to thank each and every one of our supporters who cheered the team on in 2011, and helped us achieve so much during the season. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2012 - the year of the Black and Gold!
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Spartans promoted
28th November 2011
The Spartans are proud to announce that the team has been promoted into the BAFANL League One for the 2012 season.
After making the Division 2 playoffs in both 2010 and 2011, the League realignment has lead to the Spartans being promoted into Division One Central/South, where they will face some old rivals and some new foes.
The Spartans are joined in the Division by the Cambridgeshire Cats, South Wales Warriors, Sussex Thunder, Hampshire Thrashers, East Kent Mavericks, Berkshire Renegades, and Kent Exiles.
Hampshire ended the Spartans 2010 campaign with a hard-fought 29-15 victory in the first round of the playoffs, and 2011 ended with South Wales Warriors emerging as the Division 2 Champions. Add in the Spartans and Exiles playing two closely-fought contests during 2011 (a tie and a loss), and 2012 promises to be a season full of excitement for the Spartans!
Full fixtures should be announced in February 2012 - and will be announced on this website as soon as they are available.
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!
Youth team Coach appointed
18th November 2011
The Spartans are proud to announce that Kirk Beacham has been appointed as the new Coach of the Spartans youth programme.
Beacham, who played for the Spartans in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, will join the rest of the Spartans coaches for this weekends player trials as he looks to build a winning programme.
The trials for both junior and senior players will be held on the astroturf pitch at the home of the Essex Spartans, Hannakins Farm, Billericay, on Sunday, November 27th. The trials will run from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.
The sessions are open to both players wishing to transfer to the Spartans, or new players wishing to give the sport a try. Anyone new to the sport should bring suitable footwear, clothing and a gumshield. Trialists will be put through a series of football-specific exercises, and will have the opportunity to meet with current Spartans players and coaching staff.
The Spartans are also looking to recruit anyone interested in becoming part of the coaching staff, and encourage both experienced and rookie coaches to come down to the trial sessions to find out more.
The Spartans enjoyed a successful season in 2011, qualifying for the playoffs after finishing in second-placed in the highly-competitive BAFANL Division 2 East conference. The team will look to build on this improvement, and invites anyone to attend these trial sessions who would like to become part of the Spartans tradition.
For more details, please contact Spartans General Manager Tony Palmer.
Spartans thoughts go out to American Football UK
16th November 2011
The entire Spartans organisation send our thoughts and best wishes to Mike over at American Football UK as he battles against ill-health.
Mike, and the entire team at American Football UK, have always been outstanding in supplying equipment and advice to Spartans past and present, be it rookies looking for their first "starter kit" or season veterans looking to upgrade or replace their current equipment. Their customer service and level of dedication has always been oustanding, and with the Spartans players trials this weekend, we strongly recommend anyone new to the sport looking to purchase equipment take a look at their website, which can be found here.
Here's hoping you make a full and speedy recovery, Mike, from all of us here at the Essex Spartans.
Preston to play for Essex
21st October 2011
Following the annoucement of Miles Rodriguez playing for the Spartans in 2012, the team are delighted to announce the signing of fellow American serviceman Johnathan Preston.
Preston, a member of the Air Force Security Services, will join the team later in the year, and like Rodriguez, brings a wealth of experience to the Spartans organisation.
"I've played in high school, semi-pro for the Carolina Express, and won a championship in 2010 in the U.S. Forces Japan-American Football League with the Yokota Warriors.", said Preston. "I'm very anxious to join the Spartans and help the team not only reach a Bowl game, but to win one as well!"
Welcome to the family, Johnathan!
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!
Ed's Easy Diner sponsors Spartans
19th October 2011
Essex Spartans are proud to announce a deal has been agreed with the restaurant chain Ed's Easy Diner to exclusively sponsor the teams home uniforms starting with the 2012 season. Click here to see the announcement on Ed's own website!
Spartans General Manager Tony Palmer confirmed the 3-year deal, which will involve the team proudly displaying the Ed's Easy Diner logo on their new home jerseys.
Ed's Easy Diner, which has branches across the country including Thurrock Lakeside, serve great tasting burgers, hot dogs, fries and shakes using only the finest ingredients to make their version of much loved American classics. The burgers are fresh and grilled to order, the portions are generous, the music is rock 'n' roll and the service comes with a smile.
The Spartans are proud to be sponsored by Ed's Easy Diner, and look forward to working closely with them in the future!
Rodriguez signs for the Spartans
19th October 2011
Preparations for the 2012 campaign have begun with the exciting news that American serviceman Miles Rodriguez has signed to become a member of the Spartan family for the 2012 season.
Rodriguez, from Spanaway, Washington, is currently deployed stationed at RAF Mildenhall in security services, and brings a wealth of experience to the Spartans organisation.
"I've been playing football for about 8 years", said Rodriguez. "I played high school football at Spanaway Lake High School where I played running back, safety, corner, and long snapper, was all league region special teams, and all league safety. I'm looking forward to getting back and starting to get ready with the team!"
Welcome to the family, Miles!
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!
Try Outs Announced
6th October 2011
Following the incredible 2011 campaign the Spartans are looking to take the next step in 2012 and have announced the first stage in their preparations, this years player trials.
The trials will be held on the astroturf pitch at the home of the Essex Spartans, Hannakins Farm, Billericay, on Sunday, November 20th and Sunday, November 27th. The trials will run from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.
The sessions are open to both players wishing to transfer to the Spartans, or new players wishing to give the sport a try. Anyone new to the sport should bring suitable footwear, clothing and a gumshield. Existing players should bring full kit. Trialists will be put through a series of football-specific exercises, and will have the opportunity to meet with current Spartans players and coaching staff.
The Spartans are also looking to recruit anyone interested in becoming part of the coaching staff, and encourage both experienced and rookie coaches to come down to the trial sessions to find out more.
The Spartans enjoyed a successful season in 2011, qualifying for the playoffs after finishing in second-placed in the highly-competitive BAFANL Division 2 East conference. The team will look to build on this improvement, and invites anyone to attend these trial sessions who would like to become part of the Spartans tradition.
For more details, please contact Spartans General Manager Tony Palmer.
It's all for charity!
1st October 2011
The season may be over, but members of the Essex Spartans came together to raise almost £200 for the Everyman Group at a team charity event.
Players and coaches took part in an American Football video game tournament to raise the donation for the charity, which battles against testicular and prostate cancer.
The charity was chosen by defensive back Tom Langford, who said "The NFL uses October as a month to raise awareness for Breast Cancer in the United States. We thought it would be a good idea for us to follow their example and do our bit for the Everyman Group, who are leading the fight to stamp out male cancer."
The event was a great success, and an enjoyable time was had by all, especially running back Steven Hull and Offensive Analyst Chris Hunt, who emerged as the winners on the day.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the charity can do so via the Essex Spartans donations page – click here for full details and to make your donation.
Britbowl Weekend Winners
25th September 2011
Congratulations to the London Blitz, the East Kilbride Pirates, and the South Wales Warriors, who all emerged as winners during the Britbowl weekend.
The London Blitz defeated the London Warriors 18-0 to win the Premier title in a tightly-fought contest. The Division One title went to the Pirates, defeating the Leicester Falcons, and the South Wales Warriors knocked off the West Coast Trojans to take the Division Two title.
Congratulations to all three winners, and commiserations to the defeated teams - best of luck for 2012!
Britbowl Weekend Approaches
17th September 2011
Britbowl XXV Weekend, the official championship weekend for the British American Football Association National Leagues takes place on Saturday, September 24th and Sunday, September 25th at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
Event organiser Drew Anderson said: "BritBowl XXV is the highlight of the British American football calendar and this year will be our biggest and best yet. It will appeal to gridiron fans in the UK but also offer a great day out for families looking for something different in London."
Saturday's action includes the Premier Division Final, with Rob Bradley ("Spartan" from TV's Gladiators) and the reigning Britball and EFAF European Cup champions London Blitz facing off against TV personality Vernon Kay and the rest of the London Warriors.
Also on Saturday, the Division 1 Final sees the East Kilbridge Pirates battle the Leicester Falcons, whilst Sunday sees the Division 2 Final between the West Coast Trojans and the South Wales Warriors.
In addition to the hard-hitting action on the field, there will be plenty of entertainment at the family-friendly event. Musical performances will come from The Urban Voodoo Machine – critically acclaimed by NME magazine – and human beatbox and hip-hop sensation Lippicool, who has been one of the musical hits of the summer at BBC Radio One’s Big Weekends.
Street dancers from around the world will also be performing at BritBowl XXV. International teams competing in the UK leg of The World of Dance Tour will be on hand to entertain American football fans on the Saturday and Sunday.
Those looking for thrills away from the American football action can play the latest computer games in the EA Sports pod or try their hand at a state-of-the-art Formula 1 simulator.
Tickets can be purchased in advance via Ticketmaster, or purchased on the day at the stadium. Single day tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for 14 to 18-year-olds and £6.00 for under 14s. Weekend packages for both days of gridiron action cost £25 for adults, £15 for 14 to 18-year-olds and £8.50 for under 14s.
The Essex Spartans organisation wish all the very best to those competing in the Finals, and encourage our fans to attend what promises to be a fantastic weekend both on and off the pitch!
Spartans thank 2011 away uniform sponsors
3rd September 2011
Spartans General Manager Tony Palmer recently met with representatives of ESS Engineering and Fast Track Management Services Limited to thank them for sponsoring the team during the 2011 season.
The two companies are the sponsors of the teams new white uniform, and to thank them for their support, Ken Tormey (ESS Engineering) and James Barnham (Fast Track Management Services Ltd.) were each presented with a framed Spartans shirt.
"The Spartans are proud to be sponsored by such prestigious companies," said Palmer. "Their support has allowed the team to purchase the new 2011 white uniform, which clearly displays the logos of both ESS Engineering and Fast Track Management Services Limited. We look forward to building on the relationships between the team and all our sponsors as we look to take the next step in 2012."
The Spartans welcome any companies interested in sponsoring the team to contact us - details can be found here.
Spartans season review with Phoenix FM
1st September 2011
Spartans Head Coach Marc Saunders was joined by Assistant Head Coach Sean Benton and Spartan Steve Watson on Phoenix FM's Friday nights sports show, The Commentary Box, to review the teams 2011 campaign.
Host Dave Turner discussed the teams fantastic year at 8pm on Friday September 9th.
The Commentary Box airs every Friday night at 8pm on Pheonix FM, and the Spartans would like to express our thanks to Dave for once-again inviting us onto his show. You can hear the show live every week via the Phoenix FM website - click here to listen in!
Spartans defeated
28th August 2011
The Spartans saw their 2011 season come to an end with defeat to the Lancashire Wolverines in the playoffs.
Full Report and Images from the game are now available.
Playoff opponents confirmed
18th August 2011
The Spartans face a long road trip to Blackburn to face off against the Lancashire Wolverines on Sunday August 28th in the BAFANL Division 2 Playoffs.
The Spartans qualified for the post-season as the number 7 seed in Division 2 - the Wolverines, who ended the season with a record of 9 victories and 1 loss, qualified as the number 2 seed after winning the Central Division.
The other playoff matches see the East Division winners Kent Exiles face the South Wales Warriors, the Shropshire Revolution travel to play the Berkshire Renegades, and the Milton Keynes Pathfinders have a long trek to play the top-seeded West Coast Trojans.
As part of the build-up to this exciting game, Spartans Assistant Head Coach Sean Benton was again be joined by Spartan Steve Watson on Phoenix FM's Friday nights sports show, The Commentary Box.
Host Dave Turner discussed all matters Spartan at 8pm on Friday August 19th, it what was an entertaining and lively show.
The Commentary Box airs every Friday night at 8pm on Pheonix FM, and the Spartans would like to express our thanks to Dave for once-again inviting us onto his show. You can hear the show live every week via the Phoenix FM website - click here to listen in!
Essex Spartans 75 - 10 Maidstone Pumas
2nd August 2011
The Spartans bounced back from their disappointing loss to the Kent Exiles by booking a place in the playoffs with a 75-10 destruction of the Maidstone Pumas.
Eager to make amends for last weeks heartbreak, the Spartans dismantled the Pumas in a dominant display. The victory secures second-place in the Eastern Division for the team, and a trip to the post-season for the second year in succession.
Full Report, Statistics and Images from the Game are now available.
Winners on and off the field
2nd August 2011
The Spartans are proud to announce the teams photographer, Mikey Cartwright, has placed first in July's Sport Essex photography competition with an image of the team in action.
The victory means the Sport Essex website (click here) will display a banner promoting the team for the month of August, along with Mikey's winning image.
Congratulations Mikey!
Spartans launch new merchandise
29th July 2011
The Spartans are pleased to announce new additions to the official team merchandise, available now via the team shop.
The new items include the popular "Essex Spartans Equipment" t-shirts and hoodies, and team holdalls, embroided with your own custom name and number.
Player or supporter, as the team push for the playoffs, make sure you look the part!
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Win and we're in
27th July 2011
The Spartans travel to play the Maidstone Pumas on Sunday, July 31st knowing that a win will book the team a place in the playoffs for the second successive season.
Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30pm, at the Pumas home ground of New Line Learning Academy, Boughton Lane, Loose, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9QL.
More details can be found via the Pumas own website - click here.
The Spartans hope to see their supporters at the game to cheer them on to the victory they need to qualify for the post-season.
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Essex Spartans 20 - 24 Kent Exiles
24th July 2011
The Spartans travelled to play Division-leading Kent Exiles on Sunday and were left shocked and stunned as a touchdown on the final play of the game gave the Exiles the victory 24-20.
The defeat leaves the Spartans needing to win in their final regular-season game against Maidstone to clinch a playoff spot.
Full Report, Statistics and Images from the Game are now available.
Exiles await
12th July 2011
The Spartans take to the road to face perhaps their toughest test of the season - an away game against the Kent Exiles on Sunday, July 24th.
Kick-off for this pivotal match is scheduled for 12:00pm at the Exiles home ground of Crockenhill FC, Wested Meadow Ground, Eynsford Rd, Crockenhill, Kent BR8 8EH. Full directions can be found on the Exiles website - click here.
The Spartans hope to see their supporters at the game to cheer them on, and would like to take this opportunity to advise anyone travelling to the game there is an entrance fee of £1.50.
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Essex Spartans 50 - 0 Maidstone Pumas
10th July 2011
The Spartans returned to winning ways with a dominant performance to sweep aside Divisional foes and old rivals Maidstone Pumas 50-0, executing an almost-perfect game in the process.
Looking to bounce back after defeat against Watford, the Spartans dominated every aspect of the game, scoring an incredible 7 touchdowns on their way to completing an undefeated home season in 2011.
Full Report, Statistics and Images from the Game are now available.
Spartans hit the airwaves
9th July 2011
Spartans Assistant Head Coach Sean Benton was joined by Spartan Steve Watson on Phoenix FM to talk about the upcoming home game against Maidstone Pumas.
The pair took part in a 45-minute interview on Dave Turner's sports show, The Commentary Box, on Friday July 8th, and discussed various topics regarding the team, and American football in the UK in general.
The Commentary Box airs every Friday night at 8pm on Pheonix FM, and the Spartans would like to express our thanks to Dave for inviting us onto his show. You can hear the show live every week via the Phoenix FM website - click here to listen in!
Maidstone come to town
1st July 2011
The Spartans, hoping to bounce back after their disappointing first loss of the season, welcome Divisional rivals Maidstone Pumas to Hannakins Farm on Sunday July 10th in a game that will have a major say in the teams playoff hopes.
With three games to go, it is a case of "win and we're in" for the Spartans - only victories in all their remaining matches will ensure the Divisional title, and home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Kickoff is at 2:30pm at the teams home ground of Hannakins Farm - come down and cheer the team on in their quest for glory! Directions can be found here
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Essex Spartans 6 - 19 Watford Cheetahs
26th June 2011
The Spartans travelled to Watford to face off against the Cheetahs, and returned home with the bitter taste of defeat in their mouths for the first time this season after a 19-6 loss.
As the sun beat down on the grassy field, the Spartans struggled, unable to make any impact on the match. Uncharacteristic mistakes combined with some pure bad luck made it an uphill struggle for the team, and with Watford able to convert turnovers to points, the Spartans saw first place in the Division slip through their fingers.
Full Report, Statistics and Images from the Game are now available.
Essex Spartans 20 - 6 Bedfordshire Blue Raiders
20th June 2011
The Spartans returned to Division 2 East action this week with a hard-fought 20-6 victory over rivals Bedfordshire Blue Raiders that continued the teams impressive unbeaten run and left them top of the standings.
With the withdrawal of the Norwich Devils from the League, the Spartans found themselves with a longer-than-expected mid-season break, and the benefits of the extra training time were on display as the Spartans manhandled their opponents in a bruising encounter.
On an overcast day, events started brightly for the home team, welcoming back Graham Sorhaindo from long-term injury. Sorhaindo was honorary captain for the day, and the entire Spartans organisation welcomes him back warmly.
Full Report, Statistics and Images from the Game are now avaliable.
Spartans Meet The Public
18th June 2011
The streets were awash with the Black Tide as players and coaches from the Essex Spartans descended on Billericay and Brentwood to try and raise awareness of the team.
Coaches Sean Benton and Wes Bourke were joined by players Lee Millar, Jon Tottman, Adam McTaggart, Andrew Clarke, Tom Langford, Tom Marston, Jack Holder and Steve Watson to distribute leaflets publicising the teams remaining home fixtures along the two Essex High Streets.
The team received a warm response from the public, and would like to thank the local businesses who allowed them to leave some of the leaflets with them to increase their customer’s awareness of the Billericay-based team.
“We had a great afternoon meeting the people of Billericay and Brentwood and were very pleased with the positive response we received from the local community”, said Spartans Coach Sean Benton. “We hope that we brightened a rainy afternoon in both towns and would like to thank our fans both new and old who cheered us on to a win over Divisional rivals Bedfordshire.”
Spartans Mid-Season Update
13th June 2011
With the second half of the season about to begin for the Spartans, and with the team joined by the Kent Exiles in being undefeated in 2011, the long-awaited new kit has been unveiled.
The new white shirts proudly display the logos of two team sponsors, Fast Track Management Services Ltd. and ESS Engineering, and will be worn for some of the Spartans matches during the remainder of their 2011 season.
Spartans General Manager Tony Palmer expressed his gratitude to the two companies, saying “The financial assistance from these sponsors is deeply appreciated, and with the team looking to purchase a new black shirt in the future, we welcome anyone interested in sponsoring the team and seeing their logo displayed on our kit to contact us”.
With two remaining regular-season home games, the Spartans are hoping to raise local awareness of the team by meeting and greeting the public this coming Saturday, June 18th, across Essex towns.
Bedfordshire Blue Raiders visit Hannakins Farm on Sunday, June 19th and some Spartans players and coaches will be out and about distributing leaflets promoting the team and encouraging anyone interested to come down to Hannakins Farm and cheer the team on. The team will be at Billericay High Street from midday for approximately one hour, before moving on to Brentwood High Street.
“We are very much looking forward to our visits to Brentwood and our home town of Billericay. We are keen to raise our profile and forge strong links with the local community and are excited about this opportunity,” said Spartans Coach Sean Benton.
“With a home game the next day and with free entry, it promises to be a great weekend for the team and we hope that the new friends we make on Saturday will be there to cheer us along.”
Last season the Spartans and Blue Raiders split their games, with the Blue Raiders defeating the Spartans 16-13 in the final game of the regular season. This loss meant the team faced a nervous wait to learn their post-season fate – something Spartans Head Coach Marc Saunders is keen to avoid this time round.
“Bedfordshire gave us a tough defeat last time we faced them so we are not taking them lightly, “said Saunders. “The Spartans are ready for the Blue Raiders this time around and hope the result will reflect this.”
With a family-friendly bar area, and free entry, the Spartans hope to see a large crowd behind them as they take to the field at Hannakins Farm with kickoff set for 2:30pm. With only the winner of the Division assured of a home playoff match, the team know every game is crucial.
Black Tide’s coming – get swept along!
Week Nine- Division 2 East Results and Week 10 Preview
6th June 2011
In the only Div 2 East game of the weekend, the Maidstone Pumas (2-0-4) travelled to the Kent Exiles (2-2-0) hoping for revenge after the reverse fixture in week 1 when the Pumas suffered defeat in a 20-62 but were beaten 78-6 by the Exiles on the second attempt.
In the Spartans campaign for glory, the tide rolls on against the Bedfordshire Blue Raiders at home on Sunday 19th June. For anyone who followed last year’s campaign, matches against the Blue Raiders where a fantastic spectacle and the build-up to this year’s match proves to be no different. The team welcome anyone to come along and cheer on for this 2:30pm kickoff, Hannakins Farm, Billericay.
Also this week in Div 2 East, MK Pathfinders (3-1-2) travel to face the undefeated Watford Cheetahs (4-0-0).
And we are back online
26th May 2011
Apologies for the delay in updates we had a slight problem but we are back and the Tide is still rolling.
We regret to inform our followers that the scheduled away game against the Norwich Devils on June 5th has been cancelled as the club has unfortunately had to withdraw from this season’s competition there by forfeiting their remaining league fixtures. From all the Spartan family we wish the Devils well in their future rebuilding of the club through the associate club status. This does mean that the Division 2 East standings have changed giving all wins to the Devils opposition as 1-0 victories. The current standings can be found on our standings page.
We would also like to announce the new version of the Spartan White jersey is now available to buy- We currently have game quality versions available at £41. Here is a link to the Spartan white jersey 2011.
Essex Spartans 16-7 Milton Keynes Pathfinders
26th May 2011
The Spartans embarked on their first road game of the season on Sunday, May 22nd, travelling to face the Milton Keynes Pathfinders. It seems games against the Pathfinders are like buses – the two teams had never clashed before this season, and now faced off for the second time in as many weeks.
Following last week's 35-6 destruction of the Pathfinders, the Spartans went into the game knowing a victory would give them a firm hold of the Division – a loss, and their season would have been dealt a huge blow.
Full Report, Statistics and Images from the Game are now avaliable.
Essex Spartans 35-6 Milton Keynes Pathfinders
15th May 2011
The Spartans continued their impressive 2011 campaign with a dominating performance over the previously-unbeaten Milton Keynes Pathfinders, sweeping aside their rivals with a 35-6 destruction.
This was the first meeting between the two sides in the Spartans long history, and it’s one Milton Keynes will be keen to forget. The Pathfinders came into the match with their hopes high – riding the crest of a 7-game unbeaten streak and having tied with Kent Exiles 36-36 the previous week, they were sitting atop the Division with a record of 2 wins and 1 tie.
But they hadn’t faced the Black Tide. And the Tide Rolls On!
Full Report, Statistics and Images from the Game are now avaliable.
Three matches played – two wins, one tie. 125 points scored, 30 conceded. The Black Tide is swarming all over the Division – and next week, it heads to the return matchup at Milton Keynes, who will need to improve to contend.
Day by day – we get better and better – until we can’t be beat! We WON’T BE BEAT!
BLACK TIDE’S COMING!!
Week Five- Division 2 East Results and Week 6 Preview
10th May 2011
Maidstone Pumas secured their first win of the season in a 17-12 win against the Bedfordshire Blue Raiders which goes to show how competitive the division is this year. Elsewhere Watford Cheetahs kept up their unbeaten run with a 37-0 win over visitors the Norwich Devils. And Finally, Last Week saw the Kent Exiles tie for the second consecutive week, after their 18-18 tie against us, they once again came from behind to secure a 36-36 tie against the MK Pathfinders who are The Spartans opponents this weekend.
The Essex Spartans are at home again this week and welcome the Milton Keynes Pathfinderswho currently sit top of the Div 2 East Division with two wins and a Tie. Sunday 15th May at 2.30pm, Hannakins Farm come down and show the team your support. Directions can be found here
Essex Spartans 18-18 Kent Exiles
2nd May 2011
The Spartans continued their unbeaten season with a tough battle against Divisional foes Kent Exiles that saw the sides share the spoils with an 18-18 tie.
Both teams came into the game having won the opening matches in impressive style – the Spartans swept aside the Norwich Devils 71-8, whilst the Exiles dominated their County rivals Maidstone Pumas 62-20. This game would be a true litmus test for the Spartans – the Exiles were playing Division One football in 2010, and promised to be a tough opponent.
Full Report, Statistics and Images from the Game are now avaliable.
Although Essex have a break in fixtures for this weekend there are three other games taking place in the division with Maidstone Pumas at home to Bedfordshire Blue Raiders, MK Pathfinders against the Kent Exiles and the Norwich Devils @ the Watford Cheetahs.
Essex Spartans 71-8 Norwich Devils
24th April 2011
The Spartans kicked of their 2011 campaign in formidable style with a 71-8 destruction of Divisional foes Norwich Devils, sending a warning to the rest of the League – the Black Tide is coming!
In a dominant display, the Spartans ended the game as a competition in the first quarter. Defensive lineman and last year's Rookie of the Year Aaron Millar set the tone early on, recovering a fumble on the Devils first possession, which quarterback James Dawson quickly turned into 6 Essex points with a scoring pass to offensive captain Jon Tottman.
Full Report, Statistics and Images from the Game are now avaliable.
This Sunday, May 1st sees the second game in the Spartans calendar and we welcome the Kent Exiles to the Farm, in what should be a great showdown with both teams eager for their second win of the season. The team welcome anyone to come along and cheer on the team for this 2:30pm kickoff.
Other Results in the East Division saw the Milton Keynes Pathfinders go 2-0 for the season winning 32-0 at Maidstone Pumas, who are still looking for their first win of the season.
Week Two- Division 2 East Results
17th April 2011
With Maidstone Pumas losing 20-62 at home to Kent Exiles in week one's opening fixture of the new season, week two saw the Bedfordshire Blue Raiders face off against the Watford Cheetahs in the early kickoff and the lowest scoring game of the day with Watford edging Bedford 15-0. The second game was the chance for the 4-6 MK Pathfinders to continue their momentum from last season with their four wins coming from their final four games, against the Norwich Devils who finished 6-4 last season in the same division as Essex. The result was flattering for Pathfinders as they won 49-6.
The Essex Spartans kick off their 2011 campaign with the visit of the Norwich Devils with both teams looking for their first wins with Essex yet to play and Norwich suffering defeat at the hands of The Pathfinders. Sunday 24th April at 2.30pm, Hannakins Farm come down and show the team your support. Directions can be found here
