Sheffield Giants vs Yorkshire Rams | Gameday Programme | 2nd June 2024

SUNDAY 2ND JUNE | 14:00

Words from head coach

What a difference a couple of weeks makes.

The last time I wrote here we had a single win to our name, and we were hoping that our home crowd could help us pull out another one and bring us back to .500. We’re now back at Fortress Norton two weeks later with a winning record, at 3-2, and looking to build up a gap and push on with our playoff charge.

The two games against Humber and Chester were very different beasts, with a huge offensive performance at home against Chester, bringing us our first game with over 50 points scored for quite some time, and the second game being a defensive master class.

The difference in the two games [5713 versus Humber, and a 7-3 win at Chester) unfortunately was injuries. We were really singing against Humber and even with significant injuries before that game was over, we were still firing on all cylinders. A couple more key injuries at Chester though left us in a bit of trouble.

It’s times like that that test you. As people, and as a Team. As much as I loved what we did last year, it was things

Matt Flynn

like that that really hurt us and bogged us down, taking us too long to recover from. But not this year. Even with those significant injuries. Not to mention the crazy thunderstorm delays after travelling for two hours on a bus with a leaky toilet. We shook it off.

Winning 7-3 might not look pretty, but it looks a lot prettier than losing 7-3. And every man and woman involved with the Team deserved that win.

And now we return home. We haven’t played Yorkshire yet this year and they’re 1-1. But I say Yorkshire haven’t played the Sheffield Giants yet. This is our house, and I’ve got a feeling this is our division.

You bring the noise, we’ll bring the W. Back the boys in blue today and we could be seeing something special.

sheffield giants - 57

Humber Warhawks - 13

Game Report

Sheffield started the game on offence but quickly stalled in their first drive. The defence though took the field and the tone for the day was set once Humber’s offence had made their first attempt at a drive – the Giants defence driving them backwards with tackles for loss and a sack from #64

29-07 lead, things were looking good for the boys in blue. Unfortunately, the next notable play saw #1 go down with what looked a pretty serious injury.

Callum Bailey, with the Warhawks Punter than having to step out of the end zone in his attempt to get the ball away, resulting in a Safety and two points on the board for the Giants.

Within one play it was 08-00 to the Giants. Following the kick off, stand-in Quarterback #1 Ben Ancey-Taylor threw the vertical ball downfield, brought in by #88 Ethan Webster, for the immediate 50 yard Touchdown. Morgan converted the XP and the crowd could already sense that the day may be a fruitful one for the Sheffield Team.

After one unsuccessful drive, the Giants offence scored on both of their next two series. The first Ancey-Taylor ran in himself, and the second, following a forced fumble caused by #94 Josh Padley, run in by #30 Elliott Jeffrey, making his return from injury after going down in the season opener. Both Extra Points were good, taking the score to 23-00.

With excitement building, the Warhawks did bite back. A sack against #1 on his blindside resulted in a loose ball, with Humber scooping that up for the score (XP good). The previous play only served to annoy the Giants O though, with Ancey-Taylor passing short to Webster, who galloped 40 yards for the score. The XP was no good, but with a

The injury and Quarterback change (with #14 Helmer Peereboom returning following an injury of his own) could have seen things slip away, but within the very same series the lead was extended, with Peereboom threading the needle and getting the ball into the hands of #46 Jordan Musgrove right between two defenders. Following the XP, the half finished with the Giants holding a 36-07 lead.

The first drive each of the half resulted in no score but, following a fumble, the Warhawks nicked one back with a reverse, although the XP was blocked by Josh Padley to offer some solace to the Giants D who hadn’t done a lot wrong up to this point. The Giants O responded with another rushing Touchdown from Jeffrey and on the next drive the Warhawks attempt at a punt went horribly wrong as the ball was snapped over the head of the Punter, who then failed to clear it out of the end zone, with #13 Nat Gatchalian smartly covering the ball up to put another 6 points on the scoreboard. With Morgan then converting the XP, the Giants had hit their first 50 burger of the season.

Time quickly ran out from there, with a running-clock active once the Giants had a 35 point margin, but there was just time for one more Touchdown with Helmer this time connecting with #81 Dan Padley (XP good) to take the score to 57-13, where it ultimately finished.

Team Captains

Karlik team captain

Spooner Offensive Captain

02 87 12

12 02

marsden Defensive Captain Will Robertson Special Teams Captain

Ahmet

anthony

Luke

adult player roster

BAGIR , Mustafa Burak

64BAILEY, Callum

92BOTTE, Charlie

42CARVALHO, Fernando

89CHIRWA, Kade DL

60COMERIE, Troy

62COSTELLO, Edward DL 93LAFFERTY, Kane

67KARLIK, Ahmet

73MCCALLUM, Michael

75MOSLEY, Abraham

70THOMPSON, Alex

78WATSON, Michael

03ABRAHAMS, Barron

Aro

30JEFFREY, Elliott

11SINGH, Kieren

31SLINGSBY, Anthony

PLAYER spotlight

tyler bourke - corner

Tell us a little about how you first found your way into football.

My Dad played both flag football u17 and contact adult football in the 80s/90s for Chelmsford Cherokees and Tiptree Titans. My family has always been football first and both me and my brother were born into the sport. We grew up watching my Dad coach at Essex Spartans before both following him into youth football when we were old enough. Just like me, my Dad played cornerback and receiver and specialized in kick return - many know him for his iconic back tuck celebration after scoring.

played for, and even though my time here [has been] short I have really felt the step up to the next level in commitment and coaching. Being on the field and working hard is nothing new to me, but I have now been able to put all of my previous coaching into action with an incredible group of players, coaches, and support staff.

Now you have a pre-season and half a season with us, what do you like about the Giants?

Our defense is mean, we showed in the first group of games our defense can battle with any team at this level and the stats, and especially turnovers, have easily proved that fact. The team as a whole has made significant progress from the first game at Humber and that resilience and ability to bounce back has made it so much easier to knuckle down and work even harder.

tyler’s dad

You travel a decent distance to Sheffield. What brought you to the Giants?

I started playing football as a receiver, but I transitioned to defense during Covid. I learnt a lot about the other side of the ball with the Colonials, but my aspirations for football have always been ambitious. Injuries have limited my ability to really try and take my football to the next level but at the first session I came to Coach Calvert spoke to me about what I wanted to achieve - the goal has always been Europe and he told me I would get there. From then, the choice was obvious.

How does playing for the Giants compare to the university level or youth?

The Giants is now the fourth team I have

And how are things going for you personally?

I set out two goals when joining at the start of this season - look after my body and prove to everyone regardless of my size I can become one of the best DBs in the country. Now I don’t want to jinx anything, but so far I can say I have taken significant steps to achieve both of these goals.

Any highlights as a Giant, so far?

The interception against Humber was a great individual moment, but for me it had to be my first home game, and first win, against Chester. Being new to the team I didn’t have the experiences of last season, but hearing the stories and speaking to players and coaches I knew how much it meant to them. I think it was my best performance and it was great to see everyone’s reaction after the game.

You mentioned Coach Calvert, how do you find working with him?

As mentioned before, Coach Calvert knew my aspirations when joining this team, not only has he helped me improve as a player, but also as a person. I have had a few mountains

to climb outside the team, and he has been there for me every step of the way. Knowing all of this is happening as well as my degree wrapping up soon, he still shows his trust in me as a player, and works meticulously to iron out all the flaws in my game.

And how do you find Coach Eli as a Defensive Coordinator?

Eli is very different to any other coordinator I have worked with, part of that being I have never played with my coach at the same time, but second is his dedication and commitment to both the team, and his young family. Eli is an inspiration both on and off the field, he makes putting my body on the line every week an easy decision, and I aspire to live my life in a similar path.

I am in my final months of my degree so I am mainly working on that, If not I am normally with family and friends. They are my biggest fans, I play to make them proud, I ring them at halftime every game so I can update them on what has happened so far, and so I can catch the score of my brothers games, who is the QB for Colchester Gladiators.

Tell us something about you that fans of the Giants won’t know.

Many, if not all people at and around the Giants know me as Tyler, but my name actually isn’t Tyler. My name is Wellesley Bourke, I am the 7th generation of Wellesley, so it isn’t just my Dad’s legacy I carry, it’s his name too!

The Giants prioritise Special Teams as well and you’re a big contributor in that phase of the Game. How do you feel about ST?

Before I played adult ball I had never played special teams before, having only played 7v7. I learnt all the basics prior to joining and Coach Dave has managed to put all of my skills into play where I can really shine. I couldn’t be prouder to continue to follow my Dad’s footsteps as a returner and we are still waiting with anticipation for the first house call to come.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming game against the Yorkshire Rams?

Everyone on this team will tell you they were disappointed with the start of our season with two tough losses on the road. We have showed so much much passion and drive in the games to follow, no better way to bounce back than a 3 game winning streak. My goal is to keep Fort Norton undefeated, get us to .750 record and beat a team that already has a good win under their belt. This game will be no easy affair, but it will be a must watch from other teams in our division, and potential play-off opponents.

What do you get up to when you’re not training or playing with the Giants?

Name: Tyler Bourke

Position: Corner

Number: 25

University/College Team: University of Lincoln Colonials

Years Playing: 7

Giants Playing Debut: 2024 @ Humber Warhawks

Favourite NFL Team: Miami Dolphins player info

COACHES & STAFF

Head Coach

FLYNN, Matt Head Coach

Coordinator

LILLEY, Adam

MARSDEN, Anthony

ROWLEY, Dave

Offensive Coordinator

Defensive Coordinator Special Teams Coordinator

Adult Team Committee

MOXON, Tom

MCCALLUM, Zoe

FLYNN, Matt

BERRY, Adam

ROBERTS, Darren

Team Ambassador

Team Manager Head Coach

Partnership & Facilities Manager

Marketing & Comms

Positional Coach

HARDY, Jacob

MONAGHAN, Oli

TANNER, James

HERBERT, Chris

JOHNSON, Ellie

CARVALHO, Fernando

CALVERT, Sam

Assistant Coach

EVANS, Harvey

MORRIS, Summer

MCWHIR, Aaron

SHERRIDAN, Matthew

GUINNESS, Mikey

HIRD, Shuan

BURKE, Kieran

Staff

MOON, Dominic

DYSON, Jack

TIDSWELL, Dave

THOMSON, Scott

Quarterbacks

Offensive Line

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Defensive Line

Defensive Line Defensive Backs

Offence

Wide Receiver

Linebackers & Special Teams

Defensive Backs

Defensive Backs

Special Teams

Strength & Conditioning

Head Physio

Team Statistician

Team Photographer

Team Photographer

RUDD, Chloe

MULAY, Shubhankar

GIAGMOUROGLOU, Eleni

ROBERTSON, Will

BOWMAN, Lewis

GORMLEY, Shannon

KARLIK, Ahmet

FLYNN, Verity

HIRD, Shaun

DRINKWATER, Jamie

EVANS, Harvey

Manager

Digtial & Media Manager

Equipment & Kit

Manager

Gameday Manager

Recruitment Officer

Grants Officer

Welfare Officer

Player Liaison

Charity & Community Officer

Social Officer

Fan Engagement

Placement Student

Coach spotlight

James tanner - running backs

So how did you first discover American Football?

I watched football as a young child. My grandparents and my parents both enjoyed watching the sport when it was on channel 5. For my 15th birthday, I got given a Miami Dolphins jersey (grandad’s team). Fast forward 12 years, After getting back into football again and deciding to swap teams for some silly reason, I started to follow the Panthers (I soon changed back). My work colleague and friend mentioned that his friend I also knew was playing for the Giants. So I got in touch, went to the rookie day, and the rest is history.

You’ve played a number of positions over the years - tell us about your experience of playing.

I loved playing. This sport is truly one of a kind. You can be any fitness level and there will always be a position suited for you. Putting my kit on, walking onto the training field and gameday with my teammates and brothers, was the best feeling ever. Having coaches such as Oli Monaghan and Matt Flynn also made me feel like no matter

what level I was at, that they could make me a better player, whilst having fun doing it.

You drew a line on playing last season, but your coaching journey began before then. What attracted you to coaching?

It originally started when I had to take a year out of playing due to personal commitments and I was offered the opportunity to become a Coaching Assistant for the Defensive Line with Coach Flynn, and I jumped at the opportunity to better myself at the sport and give myself a new challenge. Seeing the players develop at training and take it onto the pitch kept me interested in coaching and developing.

What do you like about the Giants this year?

The structure off the pitch to help retain players, better equipment etc. So having a committee full of people who don’t even play or coach is a great step forward for player retention as they invest more time and effort into making our training sessions and gamedays even better! (I particularly love the fish and chips van and that games are becoming a real attraction!)

What has been your highlight as a Giant, so far?

My highlight, although it didn’t end in the best of circumstances, was starting my first game for the Giants. Playing Oline against Northants Knights.

How is this season going for you personally?

This season is going great. Coaching the Running Backs along with Coach Evans has been an incredible experience and one I am fully invested in. Seeing rookies like Aro Domingos, who was new to the position, thriving and getting better every day makes all the time and effort worthwhile. Same with the guys who have played before - I believe they have

all developed and I could trust anyone of them to get the job done.

And what’s it like working with Coach Lilley?

Working with Coach Lilly has been great so far. His wealth of knowledge for the sport is incredible, who wouldn’t want to work with someone who you can learn off and use that information to better yourself as a coach!

You’ve also coached at the university level, as well as at Womens Flag. How does coaching for the Giants compare to different levels?

Whilst coaching at all the different levels brings its own respective challenges, coaching at the Giants is a whole different kettle of fish. The only way to describe it briefly is it’s like coaching a semi-pro club but with the means of an amateur one. Whilst we understand life outside of football, it is also intense on getting the best of the players and giving them the tools & resources to achieve.

Tell us about your off-field roles over the years and how you’ve found that?

In 2021, It was a tough year coming back from the awful times of COVID. The Team needed help with all things equipment and also the camera. So I took it upon myself to do such things. I did this to help the team focus on what was important. I got recognized for this, receiving the Giant of the Year award which I accepted with great pride! I then went on to help form the new committee in 2023, starting off as the Recruitment Officer and helping to bring in a record number of players for the Giants, and then moved to the Equipment Officer! This year I only focus on coaching but I still help when it is needed! Not for the recognition, but to help this great club continue to grow.

So, we’ve passed the halfway point and the Giants are at 3-2. What are your thoughts on the game against the Yorkshire Rams?

Yorkshire Rams are a tough team to be going up against, especially as it has been 3 in a row for us. Again. I have faith in the Giants and my unit to rise to the challenge not as individuals, but as a team, and help each other across that touchline.

What do you get up to when you’re not training or playing with the Giants?

I 3D print and paint my own models as well as gaming!

Tell us something about you that fans of the Giants won’t know.

I have a few disabilities! ADHD, Functioning Autism, Desiccated Disc, and Tonsillar ectopia, to name a few! I feel like I kind of represent that this sport, and Team, truly is for everyone and anyone.

coach info

Name: James Tanner

Favourite NFL Team: Miami Dolphins

COACHING:

Role/Unit: Running Backs Coach

Previous Clubs: Sheffield Hallam University Warriors

Years Coaching: 3

Giants Coaching Debut: 2022 v Manchester Titans

PLAYING:

Position: Cornerback, Quarterback, Offensive Line

Number: 25, 14, 57

Clubs: N/A

Years Playing: 2

Giants Playing Debut: 2021 @ Knottingley Raiders

sheffield giants - 07

chester romans - 03

Game Report

The Giants followed their impressive 57-13 victory at home over the Humber Warhawks with their longest away trip of the 2024 regular season – away at Chester to face the Romans for the second time this year and an opportunity to right past wrongs from the 2023 season, whilst also looking to take the first clean sweep of an opponent this year.

immediately as if resuming from half time).

As has become standard at Chester, the game was full of early penalty flags and the Giants also suffered a number of early injuries which both disrupted the game and, of course, impacted on the game plan. Peereboom was the first to be withdrawn, followed swiftly by Marsden and Webster (with further injuries to Brock and Green to follow).

The early disruption led to both teams struggling to make traction, with multiple punts exchanged before the Romans put the only points of the first half on the board with a Field Goal, to take the score to 3-0. The Giants did respond with a good drive, but the attempted Field Goal from Morgan was missed.

With the Romans offence taking the field again with just under 05:00 remaining in the first half, another delay hit both teams – this time thunder & lightening forcing both teams off the field for safety.

Thankfully, with minutes to spare before the game would have had to have been abandoned and re-scheduled, the Teams were able to re-take the field but only after a significant delay, warming back up, and agreeing to reduce the game (removing the last minutes of the first half, and kicking off

The disruption, with more flags and this time an injury to an unlucky Roman, ensured both Teams struggled to move the ball again with two punts apiece opening H2. The game though turned on the 3rd Romans offensive possession of the half, with a fumbled ball picked up by Peter Parkinson who ran it all the way back to the 5 yard line (Parkinson actually initially thought he’d scored, but the play was brought back following a penalty).

The Giants offence took to the field and after first punching the ball in with Dan Padley, only for the far side official to overrule the decision, Elliott Jeffrey finally dragged the ball over the line up the middle. Morgan successfully converted the Extra Point and the Giants took a 7-3 lead.

Punts were once again exchanged before the Romans attempted a long Field Goal but missed. The Giants offence gained minimal yards on the next drive but Special Teams continued to give the Giants a territory advantage, with James Hadabora standing out for exceptional tackles. The Romans O then took the field but Matthew Sherridan popped up on the first play of the drive with the interception, running it all the way back inside the Romans Red Zone. The Giants O took back over and, after running a couple of short yardage plays, were able to kneel out the clock to end the game.

The journey was long, and the match even longer, but the Giants walked away victorious moving to 3-2 on the season, a three game winning streak, and a real shot at both the division and the play-offs.

Around the club Academy

The Sheffield Giants American Football Academy has a place for everyone to enjoy the sport; from age 7 to 19, any gender, any size, and any ability.

The Academy offers both contact and noncontact versions of the sport in inclusive, supportive, and most importantly fun teams. All of these are run by experienced and committed coaches every Saturday morning at our Mosborough Training Ground (S20 5AQ).

ADULT FLAG

The Sheffield Giants Adult Flag teams allow adults to play non-contact football in Sheffield. There’s no previous experience or talent required to join the Women’s or Mixed teams, who compete in tournaments / leagues against teams based all across the UK.

The Giants Mixed Flag Team has already begun their preparations for the 2023 season, training every Sunday at Hillsborough College, but it’s not too late to get involved. The Giants Women’s Flag Team begins their training later in the year and practices at the Mosborough Training Ground.