The Glasgow Tigers got off the mark in a big way with a 13-0 shutout victory over the Yorkshire Academy Rams. Now, we’re back on the road after a week’s break to take on the Gateshead Senators.
The north-east side have faced a tough start to the season with defeats in their first two games. The Senators went down 24-0 against local rivals Northumberland Vikings in their opener, before a 22-6 defeat against the Yorkshire Academy Rams last weekend left them still searching for their first W of 2019.
The Senators defence in action against Yorkshire Academy Rams (Photo by Billy Davies)
Last year, the Senators finished 3-6-1 in the NFC1 North after a season of inconsistent results. Despite some heavy defeats throughout the year, they also notched up a number of impressive wins including a 25-0 shutout against Leeds Bobcats in the second last game of the year.
The Senators looked to bounce back this season, but an opening week tie against league favourites Northumberland Vikings was always going to pose a tough test. Despite their pre-season preparations, the Senators failed to put up points against one of the league’s toughest teams.
Last week proved more successful as they travelled to Leeds to face the Yorkshire Academy Rams, and put up their first points on the season in the second half following a big fumble recovery. While it wasn’t enough to stop another defeat, the Senators will have taken heart from an improved performance heading into this game.
The Senators push for the breakthrough against Yorkshire Academy Rams (Picture by Billy Davies)
This week’s poll at Gridiron Hub has the Tigers as favourites to take the win following their victory over Yorkshire but the Glasgow side know they can take nothing for granted against a side that can cause problems for any NFC1 North side on their day.
Coach McCluskey’s Tigers can move into second place in the table, behind Northumberland, with a win tomorrow – and with key games coming up against their closest local rivals East Kilbride Pirates and old enemies Aberdeen Roughnecks, the Glasgow side know how important a result is this weekend.
