Recent PhD graduate Thomas Piachaud revived American football at Cambridge in 2011, after an almost fifteen-year hiatus. He proved to be an exceptional athlete, being named a BUAFL first team all-star last year, and earning an Extraordinary Full Blue for his participation in the GB squad this past summer

Sunday’s game against UEA Pirates proved a fitting send-off. This was a crucial contest in the race for a National Championship playoff berth. Both teams went into the match level on points, with 4-1 records.

The first quarter of the game saw Pythons’ strong run defence come to the fore as usual, foiling several UEA attacks. The deadlock was broken by a 36-yard burst from Sidney Sussex’s Joe Moore, who ran clear for the game’s first touchdown. Receiver Jonty Richardson ran in the 2 point conversion, putting Cambridge 8 points clear. Pythons then snuffed out 3 successive UEA run attempts, causing the Pirates to go 3-and-out as the first quarter came to a close at 8-0.

The game restarted with Cambridge giving away an interception. UEA promptly orchestrated a pair of runs and a 13-yard pass for a touchdown, which they were unable to convert. Cambridge responded with a touchdown from Alex SJ, finishing a drive that featured strong runs from Brad Idk, SJ, and Richardson, and a nice catch by Moore. SJ himself scored the 2-point conversion, putting the Pythons ahead 16-6. That remained the score at the break, although the remainder of the second quarter was lively, with the sides exchanging interceptions, and Cambridge getting close with an impressive pass from captain and quarterback Joe Yarwood to Canadian wide receiver Jaason Geerts.

Cambridge stayed in command at the start of the second half. Pythons received the kickoff on their own 44-yard line and, led by a dominant offensive line, muscled their way downfield with a dozen consecutive runs. This culminated with a 1-yard score by SJ, taking Cambridge to 22-6. The 2 point conversion was no good. UEA tried to muster a comeback, but after exchanging lengthy drives with Pythons they were unable to break through before the end of the third.

The fourth quarter was about Cambridge managing the clock, which they did effectively, holding the score at 22-6 until the final whistle. Richardson came into his own in the closing stages, proving hard to handle as he ran around, over, and through countless UEA defenders. A half dozen Richardson carries ploughed the Pythons further into Pirate territory and chewed more time off the clock. Some uneventful drives from both sides brought the match to an anti-climactic ending, in line with the Pythons’ strategy.

Jonty Richardson was named Offensive MVP, with 26 carries, 188 yards and a touchdown. Joe Moore - 18 carries for 150 yards and a touchdown - and Alex SJ (with 2 touchdowns) were also recognised for their attacking work. Defensive MVP was Tom Carr, special teams MVP Adrian Ball, and rookie MVP Sam Alderson.

A win on against Canterbury on Sunday 23rd February will secure Cambridge a playoff berth for the National Championship alongside the other top 15 teams in the country.