Salford Storm travelled to their first away game in club history this weekend as they competed in a hard fought American football matchup.
The emerging team travelled to Nottingham University over the weekend, where they played in challenging 14-0 defeat.
Despite losing, the game can be seen as much more than just the result, as the game was the away fixture for the newly emerging club.
Registering their first away game in club history, the Salford Storm have been able to come along way since being founded five years ago.
The club have faced a lot of challenges since its formation, finding it very challenging to find players and coaches for the niche UK sport.
Just seven weeks into training and full of rookies, chances of a victory looked slim as they travelled to Nottingham to take on their development squad.
The game would be a difficult contest, as Nottingham are one of the most successful BUCS American football teams in the UK.
The first half started with a game of attrition with solid line play on both sides, with Salford Defensive Captain Elliot Hutchinson leading his formation to repel offensive drive after drive.
Hutchinson following the game said: “We worked hard and played for each other followed the bend of the game but didn’t break mindset
“I thought there was some plays where we really came up big to keep our offence in it”
Later in the first quarter Nottingham managed to score the first touchdown of the game with a rush down the right side, with the home side able to secure the extra point through the kick that sailed through the H’s making in 7-0.
The second quarter belonged to the Salford defence, as defensive back Haarun Shobaloju racked up multiple tackles while setting the edge against Nottingham’s pulling lineman.
The star Salford defensive player forced a fumble and recovery, hoping to swing the momentum off of the home side.
However, unfortunately for Salford the Nottingham defence stayed compact against their attacks, as they refused to be outdone.
The linesman on both offensive and defensive squads took turns switching positions and backing each other up after constant skirmishes between both teams lines. 
And despite the difference in team quality, both linesman were able to equally match one another both in strength and stamina.
Offensive lineman Matt Dowling (OL) was able to be vital for the Storm, as he was playing for both sets of linesman and spending next to no time off the pitch between change overs.
In the fourth and final quarter the rain started to make both teams plays crumble.
Salford’s offence, despite best efforts and some play attempts, couldn’t manage to come up with an answer for the Nottingham defence.
Coach Aaron Bowcott believes this is to be expected with a team playing it’s first match in years.
As he said: “Going in to a game as a brand new team against an opposition you’ve never seen before, you never know what to expect.
“We had prepared well and were confident going in but you never know how the players will react once that whistle goes.”
Coach Bowcott continued: “As a coaching staff, the result was irrelevant.
“We just wanted to see the team to show the grit and determination that is required to play this sport and they undoubtedly did that on Sunday.
“The defence played lights out the whole day and exceeded all expectations we had.
“Offensively, there were a lot more struggles which we were anticipating however there definitely glimpses and flashes of brilliance from them.”
He continued: “For me, the togetherness and comradery was my biggest take away from the game and what I’m most proud of.
“We always say we are a family and yesterday that was on full display, we can’t wait to continue to build and improve the team and go again against a new opposition in the new year!”
Despite the defeat the fixture will remain a historical one, but with no confirmed games the Salford Storm will look to build on the future, and find some new fixtures for the new year.
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