Kent Exiles try desperately to stop a Gladiators attack. Pic: Alan Vant

Kent club’s junior contingent retain end of season play-offs hope, despite recent tournament struggle

Kent Exiles hosted the Marlow Wolves, Colchester Gladiators and Reading Renegades in a National League youth tournament on Sunday.

Youth American Football is played by 14-16 year olds in a fully kitted five-a-side version of the game on a reduced pitch to encourage the skills required to be successful.

The Exiles have had a team in this age group for the past six years and several of the original players have now moved through the ranks to the senior side.

Having won their previous tournament in Colchester, the Exiles went into the day with high hopes and a victory over the Renegades in the first game raised those expectations.

However, injuries to quarter-back Kwame Opoku and defensive star Santigie Sankoh put the Exiles on the back foot and led to defeats against the Gladiators and Wolves, despite some great performances from Elijah Wood and Alex and James Woods.

The Exiles are still riding high in the league table though and their second place so far stands them in good stead to make the end-of-season play-offs.

Coach Julius Hobbs said: “They were tough losses, but I’m proud of the way the team hung together despite a couple of setbacks.

“I know we’ll be back and fighting fit in the next tournament and looking forward to moving up the table again.”