Isle Of Wight Raptors Host Play-Off Decider As Season Reaches Climax

The Isle of Wight Raptors will host a crucial final game day of the season this weekend, with a place in the play-offs up for grabs.

The flag football team, formerly known as the Hell Hounds, will welcome rivals London Rebels B and Salisbury City Marauders to The Bay CE School in Sandown on Saturday (25 July) for a decisive set of fixtures.

The Raptors currently sit third in the Division 1 South East, with 10 wins and six defeats this season.

They are just behind both of their opponents, with London Rebels B holding an 11-5 record and Salisbury City Marauders on 11-4.

The team will face both sides during the day, with their games expected to kick off at around 1pm and 2.15pm.

The top eight teams across the South East, South West and Midlands divisions will qualify for the play-offs, with the next eight entering the plate competition.

Raptors currently sit 11th overall, with Salisbury City Marauders seventh and London Rebels B ninth.

Player-coach Lottie Laidler said the team is excited to host such an important day.

"We're excited to host the final game day of the season with so much on the line.

"Whatever the outcome, it's been an incredible season for us and I'm so proud of the team.

"We hope the Island community comes out to support us and helps us reach the play-offs for the first time in our history."

The event begins at 10.30am on Saturday at The Bay CE School in Sandown and is free for spectators to attend.