The Coventry Cassidy Jets arrive in the Czech Capital knowing that they face an uphill task if they're to meet the Amsterdam Crusaders in the EFAF Cup semi-final. The Jets need to overhaul the Prague Panthers by at least 27 points to win through from the group stage of the competition. Saturday's game will prove a stern test against last year's semi-finalists and reigning Czech Champions.
Last weeks win over Bristol at Coventry Sphinx FC saw Coventry's paper thin squad come through relatively unscathed with linebacker Parm Sidhu the only injury concern for the Jets. On a positive note Gerry McManus will be delighted to have linebackers Alistair Bailey and Adewale Oyemade at his disposal as well as strong safety Ahmed Hashim.
Whilst this game may have arrived too soon for McManus, just 3 weeks out of retirement, it will at least provide an excellent warm up for what looks to be one of the games of the season in the BAFL Premier Division. The red hot London Blitz visit Coventry in a little over a fortnight and will be hungry to avenge their nail-biting loss at the hands of the Jets in Britbowl XXII.
But before they can turn their attention to a repeat of the past two finals the Jets have the unenviable task of their second European road game in the space of a month. A 28-6 defeat in Zurich had the Jets on the brink of elimination before Prague handed them a lifeline by defeating the Renegades 39-21 in the round robin formatted group stage. The combination of those results means Coventry will progress if they can pull of what would certainly go down as their finest European performance on Saturday.
On a final note the Jets are delighted to report that Paul Jackson, the Aztecs lineman that was taken to hospital on Sunday, was discharged later that evening without serious injury. They'd also like to thank the emergency medical staff for their swift and professional response.