Last weekend, Hallam got their season off to the perfect start by beating cross city rivals the University of Sheffield Sabres 17-8 at Bawtry - full match report available here. But what did we learn from the win? Well firstly, Hallam's defence is looking mean. Nine sacks in the game with a largely new defensive line and linebacker unit should have opposition quarterbacks on edge going forwards. Following the graduation of several big players from those units in recent years - including Great Britain defensive end Ronel Daley-Thomas and New Yorker Lions' defensive tackle Laurynas Orlovicius - the defensive unit has managed to keep momentum rolling up front and may have unearthed a few gems. With the return of the vastly experienced Richard Batty at the helm for the Warriors' D, those gems can only shine brighter with time. Watch this space. On the other side of the ball, Hallam's 17 points against the Sabres was perhaps an unfair reflection on the home side's offence. With a new system in place and a rotation of faces, it is understandable that the Warriors' offensive unit was perhaps a little rusty going into the season opener against the Sabres. But the side still managed to grind out yards and will be hoping to reach the higher gears against the University of Manchester Tyrants in two weeks time. |