East Kilbride Pirates make winning return to top flight with Merseyside Nighthawks shutout

The new American football season in the UK got underway at the weekend and East Kilbride Pirates marked their return to the Premier Division for the first time since 2018 with a win over Merseyside Nighthawks.

The team were on their travels for their season opener in the Premier North Division and came home with a 34-0 victory for their efforts.

Fraser McDonald set the Pirates on their way with the first touchdown of the day in the first quarter, racing into the endzone for the score, before Scott McDonald’s kick earned the extra point for a 7-0 lead they would maintain until half-time.

Early in Q3, Pirates touched down again through a Gus McIntosh reception and Scott McDonald’s kick was good for the point after to go 14-0 up.

Early in Q4, Fraser McDonald got his second TD of the day, and Scott McDonald’s kick made it 21-0 before his field goal soon after added a further three points to the tally.

Quarterback Neil Baptie then ran in for the final TD of the day, which was supported by the boot of Scott McDonald for the extra point and then his field goal late in the game ensured a 34-0 final score.

The Pirates now await their first home match of the season, which will be played on Sunday, May 7, when they welcome rivals Edinburgh Wolves to GHA Rugby Club in Giffnock.

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