On Friday night under the floodlights at Darlington Rugby Club, the Woodham Warriors American Football team defeated their second American opponents in the space of six days. Woodham Academy English teacher Stacey Reay gives us her unique version of events in poetic style.
There they stood brave and proud,
Our young soldiers adored by the crowd,
Hearts pounding, a subtle cliche,
Emotions arose as the anthems play.
Star Spangled Banner rose to its crescendo,
Only the patriotic understand and know,
The honour of hearing your country’s song,
Every athlete praying nothing goes wrong.
In unison the spectators began to roar,
God Save The Queen, connotations of war,
Each team prepared and ready to fight,
Dressed in armour like a valiant knight.
Chants from the visiting Menwith fans,
Fate and destiny left in teenage hands,
Pressure mounts on shoulders so naive,
When the whistle blows, no time for reprieve.
Cheerleaders complete countless routines,
As the ball is kicked to a cacophony of screams,
The warriors of Woodham begin to attack,
As the Americans weak and tired fall back.
Special teams produce the inspirational,
Every warrior ultimately irreplaceable,
The flood lights, the crowd, the atmosphere,
A Moment to savour in any career.
Even Peyton Manning would be proud of this,
In years to come, spectators will reminisce,
An epic night which had to be seen,
Where were you on October fourth twenty thirteen?
Touchdowns, tactics, tackles, true greatness,
A love for football inevitably contagious,
No prima donna treatment, just pure sport,
Hundreds of people there to support.
A rugby club transformed in to numerous Super Bowls,
The only thing lacking Beyonce Knowles,
In a dream some lads came to fulfil,
The Woodham Warriors beat Menwith Hill!
Warriors carrying the ball towards a win against the Americans
Woodham and Menwith Hill go head to head
A perfect evening for American Football
Home field advantage at Darlington
