The Coventry Cassidy Jets American Football team have seen a dramatic improvement in their defence over the past matches allowing less than 200 yards a game and surrendering just seven points in their final two regular season contests.
The catalyst for this turn around has been an unlikely source, new signing, Steve George. The 35 year old free safety from Deeping recently transferred from Peterborough becoming the sixth player to move across from the Saxons this season.
George, who returned to American Football last year after a brief stint with the Peterborough Hustlers youth team in the 80's, built a strong reputation in his comeback season as he was named co-defensive MVP in a year that saw the Saxons achieve promotion to the British American Football League's first division. After seeing several team mates leave to compete in the Premier Division George decided the time was right to follow suit.
"I joined the Jets as they have excellent coaches in place that'll help me improve as a player" stated George, singling out the presence of former London Monarch Rowelle Blenman as a deciding factor. "There are some tremendous players here and competing with the likes of Ahmed Hashim and Danny Wardell for a starting spot will bring my game on in leaps and bounds. My aim is to help the Jets win more Championships both in the UK and then in Europe".
As well as George, the Jets will be glad to welcome back Gary Clark after a month on the sidelines. The young Scotsman has been absent from the last two games and his return boosts the Jets as they look to defeat the Bristol Aztecs at the semi-final stage for the third straight season.
The two fierce rivals have already met twice this year, Coventry took the first game 16-7 in an ugly encounter at the Sphinx, whilst the Aztecs claimed their first ever victory over the defending champions 40-33 in a thriller on their home patch.
Jets' Head Coach Gerry McManus looks to have a full squad as Daniel Smallman-Gough returns after a three month absence, the exciting young playmaker provides more depth at safety and McManus knows he'll need every player at his disposal. "Bristol are a very physical team, they'll pound the ball up the middle and try to wear us down upfront. It's going to be a long day for the defence so converting third downs and keeping our offence on the field will be key".
The game is scheduled for a 14:30 kick off at Coventry Sphinx FC, as always, parking will be free of charge. Entrance on the gate is free for under 16s and £3 for adults.