Shy of two years since they last took to the field for a competitive contest, Vanden Warner’s Nottingham Caesars finally took to the field again on Sunday, in their first outing of the 2021 season.

On the road at Northants Knights, in a BAFANL Central East fixture, the Caesars were at full strength with Warner, alongside Offensive Co-ordinator Grant Lawless, and Defensive Co-ordinator Mike Hughes seeing their squad put in an accomplished performance to open with a road win.

The Caesars opened the scoring in the first quarter with a touchdown from Running Back Paddy Donnelly, however, the extra point was ultimately missed, giving the hosts an opportunity in which they’d take later in the half.

A fumble from the visiting offensive allowed the Knights in to score late in the first half and, with they also guilty of missing a two-point conversion, the sides went in level at the half, 6-6.

Speaking of the game, and looking ahead, Head Coach Vanden Warner said: “After two years without football, it was great to get back on the field against different coloured jerseys.

“It was a tough outing against Northants, who battled right to the end.

“There were some outstanding performances, on both sides of the ball.

“We saw a lot of what we expected from the veteran players, and our new additions made some great plays.

“The margin of victory was tighter than we would’ve liked, but we did what we set out to do, get a one in the W column.”

Both sides would cancel each other out in the third quarter and, with no further points being added, it would be a final quarter shoot-out to see if anyone would grab the opening day spoils.

The Caesars then flexed their muscles and moved clear of their hosts when first, Line Backer Andrew Wilkins, scored himself a pick six interception touchdown to open back up the visitors advantage, then, with the clock ticking away, Donnelly’s fellow Running Back, Karm Hamdi, added a two point conversion to open an eight-point advantage late on.

There was still time for more drama, the Knights’ finding themselves in Caesars territory in the closing minutes, but the visiting Defence held firm to see out what was a 14-6 win, and get that all important, first notch on the board.

The Nottingham Caesars are again on the road next time out when, on July 4, they travel to the Lincolnshire Bombers, for what will be their first game of the new season.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @AdrianHowes Caesars in action against the Knights.