In the first ever league encounter between two American Football teams in the region, the Algarve Pirates and the Algarve Sharks met last weekend at Pirate HQ in Mehilhoeira Grande near Portimão.
This was the second time the teams had actually played, with a friendly jogo amigável being played at the end of 2014, but this time it was for real, with league position being at stake.
The game itself was a thrilling and close encounter, with both teams’ defences being almost impenetrable, despite spirited attack from both sides. It became clear as the game continued that it was going to be decided by one play – and so it transpired, with the Sharks creating an opening in the Pirates defence and scoring the only Touchdown of the game to win the contest by 6 points to nil.
Both teams left the field exhausted after a hard fought contest and the Pirates congratulated the Sharks on their first win as a league team. This bodes well for an exciting rivalry between the Algarve teams, with the return fixture to be played in Faro on 22nd February.
Before that though the Pirates head to Lisbon this weekend to play their second game of the season against the Lisbon Devils at the Olivais Football Ground. The game will kick off at 3 pm and there are some seats available on the coach if anyone would like to travel to support the Pirates on the road.
For more information about the Pirates or to book a seat for the bus trip to Lisbon this Sunday please contact the Algarve Pirates Head Coach, Don Dixon, on 960 387 408.
E: algarvepirates@pobox.com
W: www.algarve-pirates.com
Photo by Diogo LuaMar
