AMERICAN FOOTBALL

A DEPLETED West Coast Trojans squad on Sunday made the short journey to Newcastle to face the Vikings.

The Irvine-based team had just 18 players available as they headed south on what was one of the hottest days of the year.

The last time they played the Tynesiders, they were up 46 points at the half. This time it was 20-0 to the hosts at the interval and finished 44-0.

The squad gave their all with many guys playing ironman football, and the scoreline could have been a lot different if the Trojans had punched it home instead of turning the ball over five times in the red zone.

Trojans Defensive Co-ordinator Tam Chapman said: We have a group of players that can compete, our offense had two opportunities inside their red zone today that could have put us in the picture at the half.

"That was a team effort, the blistering heat and low numbers meant guy were not of the park at all. Our focus is on completing the season, dropping down to

Division Two, getting shot of the dead wood and rebuilding for the future."

The Trojans now face the Division One top-ranked team the Manchester Titans in their first home game of the season at Meadow Park on Sunday. Kick-off is at 2.30pm and they hope for a good turnout.