The following articles about the Bournemouth Raiders appeared in the local press
between 1990 and 1991.
1990 Season
Bournemouth Evening Echo
Bournemouth Raiders juniors' two-touch team were beaten 16-0 by Eastleigh Royals in their
first league fixture of the season. They almost went ahead early in the first quarter, but
Richard Cleveland's field-goal was blocked. In the fourth quarter trailing 0-8,
Bournemouth's Matt Heasman threw a pass
which was intercepted in the endzone by the Royals and returned for a TD. Game MVP was
Marc Reeks.
Anyone interested in joining the Raiders in the British Youth League for 14-18 year olds
should telephone Mark Elliott on (0202) 573972 or ask for details in States Express sports
shop in Malvern Road which sponsors the team
Blitz!
Two Touch Junior Game of the Week
Eastleigh Royals 16 Bournemouth Raiders 0
The Raiders were away to Eastleigh in a game which started with some problems, resulting
in Eastleigh having to supply four team judges from their own organisation. The main
highlight of the first quarter was a blocked Raider's field goal attempt. The second
quarter for some reason lasted a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes (and this was without
official refs, so a lot to learn from this experience), when the Royals broke the deadlock
with a 2 yard rush and the first score.
The second half saw the arrival of official referees, and a smoother running game. The
Raiders were pinned deep in their own half when coach Mike Head called a punt play on
second down.
This turned out to be a novel call which positioned Eastleigh on their 5 yard line. Two
sacks by Raiders Bradley Smith and Matt Hobson forcing Eastleigh to punt. Bournemouth
managed to work their way down to a first and goal, but by third down still had not
managed to complete and on a fourth down, a do or die pass was picked off at the goal line
and returned for an Eastleigh TD and the final score of the game. Raiders MVP, Marc Reeks.
1991 Season
Bournemouth Evening Echo reports
Bournemouth Raiders junior American Football team take on Crawley in what could be
their most vital game of the season tomorrow (2.30pm). Still on the crest of the
wave after their 34-0 crushing of Basildon Warriors last Sunday, Bournemouth will need to
maintain good form against Crawley's hard hitting defence. The match takes place at Slades
Farm School, Ensbury Avenue, Bournemouth where refreshments will be available.
US Gridiron
Raiders Ransack Crawley
Bournemouth Raiders Junior American Football team overcame their Crawley namesakes, 8-0.
Crawley came closest to scoring in the first half when they reached Bournemouth's one yard
line. A vital sack from James Savage stopped Crawley and the half ended before they could
run another play.
The third quarter belonged to Bournemouth and after driving deep into Crawley territory
quarterback Rich Cleveland hit receiver Rich Smith with a five yard touchdown pass. Steve
Shergold caught a pass from Cleveland for the two extra points. A vital interception from
Kevin Shergold then prevented Crawley from scoring a last gasp touchdown.
Bournemouth's next game is at home to the Southern Champions Eastleigh Devils on Sunday
June 23 where the Raiders will look to avenge their only loss of the season.
American Football
Bournemouth Raiders Junior American Football team have had six of their players selected
to play for the South of England Allstars against the North of England Allstars in a
special challenge match. The six selected are Mark Elliott, Steve Shergold, Matt Heasman,
Rich Cleveland, Giles Winship and Bradley Smith.
This Sunday, the Raiders face Eastleigh Devils, the only team to beat them this season.
The game kicks off at 2pm at Slades Farm.
American Football
Bournemouth Raiders junior team were beaten in the Southern Championship decider when
Crawley took a surprise 10-0 lead. Any hopes of a Bournemouth comeback were dashed when
they lost key linebackers Mark Elliott and Matt Heasman in the early stages of the 4th
quarter. Elliott was carried from the field with concussion and Heasman followed shortly
after when he was ejected during scenes of violence which marred the game.
Crawley then went on to win 24-0. Despite the loss Bournemouth have made the playoffs as a
wild card team where they will probably face their bogey team, the Eastleigh Devils or the
much fancied Heathrow Jets.
Gridiron
Bournemouth Raiders Junior American Football club defeated last year's Southern champions,
the Eastleigh Devils, in a thrilling quarter-final play-off in their chase for the
national title. Trailing 6-0 with just three minutes left, the Raiders sprang into life
when Stuart Winship recovered a bad punt snap on Eastleigh's 4 yard line. Three plays
later quarterback Rich Cleveland threw a touchdown pass to Steve Shergold to tie the
scores. Cleveland and Shergold connected again for the two extra points to clinch the game
8-6. The Raiders next game will be in national semi-finals against last year's
champions, the Newmarket Mustangs.
Gridiron
Raiders a step away
Bournemouth Raiders Junior American Football team face the British champions, the
Newmarket Mustangs, tomorrow in the national semi-final for the biggest game in the club's
history. It will be a formidable task for the Southern Conference runners-up against the
Mustangs who have so far this season not conceded a point and who have only lost once in
two years. But the Raiders are on a roll following their sensational 8-6 defeat of the
Eastleigh Devils in the first round of the play-offs last week. And they will hope to add
the scalp of the Mustangs to their growing amount of impressive victories that has also
included the Southern champions, the Crawley Raiders, who play Willenhall in the other
semi-final. The Raiders are now one game away from a date in the national final to be
played at Loftus Road in two weeks time.
Gridiron
Bournemouth Raiders Junior American Football team were knocked out of the national
playoffs when they went down 33-6 to Newmarket Mustangs in the semi-finals.
November 2000
Lymington Times
