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The Knights were formed by a group of American football enthusiasts in 1984.
The team played it's first game in 1985 and, known as the Farnham Knights,
joined the Budweiser league in 1986 achieving a 5-5 record under head coach Marc
Salazar. 1987 saw the team take the Southern title winning all ten regular
season fixtures under Marc Salazar and assistant Frank Snyder. The run ended
with a play off defeat by the Ashton Oilers before the season ended with a win
over the Ealing Eagles in the first of the clubs charity games.
The following year saw a change of league and the Knights played premier
division football in the NGL. A tough season ended 5-5 and third place in the
conference. 1989 saw yet another change in the league structure of the UK game
and the CGL was formed. Marc Salazar had returned to the USA and Frank Snyder
took over as head coach with another serviceman, Mike Hassett, taking on the
assistants role and John Archer coaching defense. The season began with four
wins before a loss to Solent and London Lasers blunted the title challenge. In
the last game of the regular season the Knights made the play-offs with a narrow
victory over the Lasers and finishing second to Solent. The play off game was at
Rockingham Rebels and on a very hot summer's day the home team ran out a
comfortable winner after a close first half.
Another league switch in 1990 to the BNGL placed the Knights among previous
Bowl winners Norwich Devils and the powerful teams from Ipswich and Medway. Mike
Hassett took over as Head Coach assisted by John Archer and Tony Forder. In the
toughest year so far the record was 3-6-1 (a tie against the London Barons). The
record hides the fact that two of the games were lost by one score including a
7-0 result to eventual Bowl winners Ipswich Cardinals.
In 1991 the club appointed John Archer as the head coach and depended on an
entirely UK grown coaching squad. The Knights made the play offs for the third
time in six years during a season which saw them win 10 of their 14 matches, 3
of the defeats came at the hands of eventual Bowl winners the London Capitals
with the other at the hands of local rivals Hampshire Cavaliers. In the away
fixture against the same opposition the Knights came from behind with 3 TDs in
the final quarter to clinch their play off place and a visit to Cornwall to play
the GW Oilers. The Knights made it to the second round of the play offs with the
tight 17-12 victory.
In 1992 the Knights had their most successful year to date with an appearance
in the BNGL National Bowl game in a close and exiting contest with the Colts who
came out 30-26 winners. (Their third final). The result was in doubt until the
final whistle. Earlier in the season six straight wins took the Knights towards
the South Western title but narrow losses to Plymouth and, in the final game at
Hampshire, handed the title to the Admirals but gave the Knights a play off
berth. Oxford Saints were the first opponents and the Knights earned a
semi-final home clash against the Kent Cougars, not the expected trip to
Plymouth. The Knights clinched the Southern title with the victory that earned
the trip to Leicester, a just reward for the players and particularly the
coaching team, led by Richard Foster, who had worked so hard all year.
The 1993 season saw the Knights reach the semi-finals only to lose a close
game to the Bournemouth Buccaneers after a brave fourth quarter fight back.
Following the regular season a Passball team was run under the Knights banner
which proved highly successful. The team won every game including the final at
Cannock against the strongly fancied home team.
In 1994 the Knights merged with the Hampshire Cavaliers and were renamed the
Southern AFC Southern Seminoles). Phil Maltby was appointed Head Coach and led
the team to the South West conference. Unfortunately they were knocked out in
the first round of the play offs by a Brighton team which had been beaten
earlier in the season.
The Seminoles struggled at the beginning of 1995 before turning the season
around down the stretch. This included a victory over Bowl Runners-up Plymouth
at Basingstoke. the team were a referee's whistle away from tying up a play-off
place in the final game at Bristol but it was not to be.
In 1996 the Seminoles found a new permanent home at North Camp but also found
the season to be an uphill battle. A disappointing 3-6-1 record disguised the
fact that three of the defeats were by less than a touchdown. On a much happier
note the Farnham Knights Youth team won the National Championship by not only
remaining undefeated but by also by not conceding a single point! It is believed
to be the first time this has been achieved in British American football
history. A hard act for the new Knights to follow in 1997!
1997 saw some positive changes to the fortunes of the club with Personal
Assurance offering a great sponsorship deal, the name change back to the Knights
and the traditional colours. On the field this was reflected by some superb
performances as the Knights went undefeated during the regular season to make
the playoffs for the seventh time in twelve years. Michael Mills rushed for more
than a thousand yards and QB Adam Heirons threw twenty touchdown passes and only
two interceptions. The post season turned in to a bit of a soap opera with first
the referees failing to turn up for the quarter-final against Tiger Bay and the
following week Tiger Bay not turning up. The semi-final against the Bristol
Aztecs was put back and, in a tense and exiting game, the Knights lost in
heartbreaking fashion 13-12. Bristol then went on to become Bowl winners by
hammering the Chiltern Cheetahs the following week.
The 1998 season got off to a bad start with the Knights being forced into a
last minute change of venue to Farnham Rugby club and a 53-0 loss at the hands
of eventual Bowl runners-up Sussex Thunder. This was then followed up by another
heartbreaking one point loss to Bristol. The Knights went on to record 2 wins
against Plymouth and the London Blitz before, yes you've guessed it, another one
point loss to Bristol. Two more defeats at the hands of the Blitz and Oxford put
the team at 2-5, but with nothing to lose the Knights played the remainder of
the season for pride. A good win at home to Plymouth preceded one of the best
games played by the Knights that year. Away to the Sussex Thunder, the team
produced a great team effort in a 32-10 loss to gain a lot of respect from the
opponents. The season finished with a 25-6 victory over the Oxford Saints, after
being 6-0 down at half time. 1998 was a bit of an up and down season for the
Knights who finished 4-6 which unfortunately doesn't reflect the fact that three
games were lost by a combined total of 6 points.
The Knights played in Division 1again in 1999 and finished with a 1-8-1
record. Although the team struggled and the results were often close relegation
to Division 2 was inevitable. The lone win of the season came against the Oxford
Saints as did the 0-0 tie. However two bright spots from the 1999 season was the
recruitment of Canadian, Xavier Desilets and Australian, Shawn Garner, both whom
were recruited through the web site. The Knights hard fought season was
reflected by the award of season's MVP to offensive lineman Dave Carpenter.
The 2000 season saw the team back in Division 2 but with stronger than ever
backing from sponsors Personal Assurance. This support saw the team move to
Guildford to play in the prestigious surroundings of the University of Surrey
Varsity Sports Centre. Good news off the field was matched with equally good
news on the roster. Long time Knights heroes Adam Heirons and Jon Williams made
their return and brought with them Simon Todd, Paul "Bubba" Biscombe, Pete
Fulford and Ken Devanney. The Knights also signed David "Hands" Williams, Glen
Boyle and Dudley Graham amongst others to add to the hard core of returning
players from the two campaigns in Division 1.
The season could not have started better as the Knights swept aside long time
rivals the Plymouth Admirals 52-6 with QB Heirons throwing for 148yds and 4TD's
to add to Adedayo Ashaye's 119 rushing yards and 3TD's. The next game sent a
shiver through the league as the Knights crushed the confident Maidstone Pumas
54-14. Heirons again threw for 4TD's, Jon Williams being the leading receiver
with 2 and the running game contributed 3 again but it was Keith Theobald with
122yds and 2TD's who lead the attack. The Defense did not concede a score ( a
sign of things to come) as they held the Pumas to just 67 total yards. The Herts
Stags were next to visit and the home team surprisingly struggled as penalties
took their toll. The 13-6 winning scoreline was the closest the Knights were
held to in the Regular season but Ashaye still clocked up 107 yds rushing and a
score and Heirons again threw a TD (this one to Jonny Allen) and was again over
100yds.The Chiltern Cheetahs then visited for the Knights final regular season
home game and were dispatched 27-12 . With both Theobald and Ashaye out of the
game Rob Scruby made a timely return from injury and ran for 114yds and a TD -
Heirons threw 3 more scores and notched up another 100yd + game - Jon Williams
again caught 2 of the TD's with Dan Brice adding the other.
The first away game of the year saw a visit to the Oxford Saints (Who had
also been relegated) and general opinion was that a slightly out of sync Knights
team would suffer its first defeat. The team responded to those opinions with an
immaculate display in defeating the Saints by 26-6, the Defense was outstanding
holding the Saints passing attack to just 18yds. Heirons went 100yds+ again as 2
way hero Dan Brice snared one score with Jon Williams inevitably adding another.
Boosted by this result the Knights then visited the struggling Kent Exiles and
won 66-0. Amidst glittering performances from Heirons (114 yds 4TD's to Brice,
Theobald, Allen and Ollie Tomlinson), Rob Scruby rushing for 204yds and 3TD's
from just 12 carries, Keith Theobald adding 126yds rushing and another score -
the highlight was still a 1yd play that opened the scoring. Veteran Offensive
lineman Mark "Tango" Lockwood crashed in for his first ever score in a 14 year
career which was to end in glory at the Final in Sheffield. the Knights were now
6-0 and on their way to the Southern Conference title. Traffic problems saw back
up QB Ashley Heath start the away trip to Plymouth, he completed 50% of his
passes for 75yds and 2TD's as the Knights led 20-0 at the half. The final result
was a 39-0 win as the defense again shut down the opponent. In the final regular
season game Heirons was on the sideline injured and Heath led the team to a
convincing 33-6 win and a perfect 8-0 record with a 70% completion rate 93yds
and 2 TD's. Williams and Brice made the scoring catches and it was Scruby who
again led the rushing attack with 114yds and a TD.
The Knights secured homefield advantage for the play offs and started with
the visit of the Merseyside Nighthawks. The Knights defense was dominant - the
visitors recording minus yardage through the air and just 61yds on the ground.
Heirons returned to pass for 132 yds and 2 TD's before Heath took over and added
another score. The Semi - Final was a nail biting affair as the 8-0 Knights met
the 7-1 Saints for a place in the Final. When the Knights scored with 5 minutes
to go (Heirons to TE Simon Todd) the pendulum swung towards the home team who
led 12-6 but the saints hit back and with just 4 minutes remaining led
themselves 13-12 - the significance of the scoreline was not lost on any of the
Knights connections (we lost the '97 Semi -Final 13-12 to Bristol) . This team
however was not to be denied and it was the trusty Heirons/Williams connection
that sealed the win with just 1min 30 remaining. Heirons threw for 149yds and
all 3 TD's (Todd, Williams and Allen) in what was an epic battle.
The Knights went to their second ever National Final as underdogs despite
their impressive season. The Ipswich Cardinals (with 5 American players) were
also 8-0 and were strongly favoured to win. The Knights were backed by a raucous
crowd who filled the stadium with chants and songs from the teams past. With
such superb backing and the prospect of the final appearance of a number of
players (including Heirons, Williams, Theobald, Devanney and Lockwood) the
Knights realised their destiny and crushed the Cardinals 41-7.Rob Scruby was
voted the MVP for his 137yds and 2TD's from just 11 carries- Williams had 2
receiving TD's and ran for a third as the Knights dominated the game.
The season was a landmark in the clubs 16 year history but hopefully is the
start of something rather than a culmination. Head Coach Steve Rains said, "The
team - both on and off the field were superb throughout the year. It is an
honour for all of us to be associated with this season. We are losing some great
players but the club is strong and with the continuing support from Personal
Assurance we will be better equipped for Division 1 this time."
The 2001 season saw the club make the step up into Division 1 to be greeted
with a baptism of fire. The first game against the 4 time National Champion
London O's was the toughest possible start. The re-modeled team with, among
others, significant arrivals on Offense, Steve Donlevy (QB), Gavin Hart (WR),
Dayle Kirby (WR), John Clark (WR) , Kenny Lettman (TE) Defense Jay Cashman (DB),
Andy Mitchell (DB), Gez Neilan (DB), Rodney Edgerton (DB/P), Steve Harrison
(LB), Scott Stonelake (LB) , Scott Scriven (LB) and the return of former Knights
Mike McMillan and Nick Preece made up for the fact that many of the Championship
team were lost to retirement or removal of home (but none to other clubs).
The O's took full advantage of the teams growing pains but the second half -
with Ashley Heath showing cool control in leading the offense - gave a glimpse
of things to come. A second loss followed to the Southern Sundevils for whom
Tony Stitt (RB) was outstanding, was backed up with a winning streak only
interrupted by a second loss to the 'Devils.
A very credible 5 - 3 record (including a tough 7-3 win over the Mets) saw
the Knights into the playoffs at the first attempt. The Sundevils and that man
Stitt stood in the way and the knights succumbed in the quarter final.
The 2002 season saw the Knights continuing to build. Defensive Coach Pete
Vaughan switched to concentrate on the Knights Special Teams and Ian Ellis
joined the staff as Defensive Co-ordinator. On the field that man Stitt made a
switch to Columbia Blue and duly delivered a 1,000yd + season and former London
Monarch Tony Mackenzie made his presence felt on D. The squad generally improved
and the results both with and without the “2 Tony’s” saw the Knights go 8-2 with
the exceptions being two narrow losses to the perennial Champion O’s.
A second successive top tier play off spot ensued and a closer than
comfortable Quarter Final win against the Mets was followed by a tremendous away
win to the heavily fancied East Kilbride Pirates. So to the Knights first ever
National Championship game (the other two appearances having been at 2nd
Division level). The London O’s were the favourites and with 6 consecutive
Championships and no defeats domestically for 4 years this was not surprising.
The Knights fell behind to two early scores and could have been overwhelmed –
but they fought back to lead by one point at half time. The O’s however finished
the job in the second half but credited the Knights with giving them their
toughest challenge in years.
2003 saw further strengthening by the Knights on the sideline and on the
field, importantly it also saw tremendous support from Sponsors allowing the
Knights to take up their place in European competition. Premier Prospects came
in to lead the backing of the European Campaign with the Knights main sponsor
Personal Assurance also boosting their involvement to assist the cause
internationally as well as domestically. Further sponsorhip from Travel Inn,
Royal Mail and Rose Electronics added icing to the cake.
The Knights acquitted themselves well in the EFAF Cup beating Swiss Champions
Zurich at home and putting up a creditable display in losing on a memorable trip
to Innsbruck against the Tyrolean Raiders. Although disappointed at their early
exit from the domestic play offs it was another season of progress for the club.
2004 – the year simply described as KNIGHTIME! The Knights had reloaded and
came back with a bang. Their first game saw the end of the O’s 7 year unbeaten
run. The team then battled through to the EFAF Cup Final beating Zurich in a
nail biting finish to qualify. The Final in Inssbruck was a fantastic occasion
but the Tyrolean Raiders proved too strong – they went on later to beat Eurobowl
Champions Vienna in the Austrian Bowl. The Knights finished as the #12 ranked
team in Europe – an amazing achievement in just 5 years back in the UK top
Division. Chris McIver set the BSL alight with his punt returns, Kingsley Ejiogu
announced his arrival in the league with 1,000 + yards and 18 TD’s, the Oline
continued to dominate and the Defense made sure the Knights had plenty of the
ball. Apart from a blip against the London Blitz with a tied home game the
Knights won all of their games – including a second defeat of the London O’s in
a display of dominant defense which led to 6 turnovers for the London team. A
first ever meeting with the Birmingham Bulls saw the new Conference Champions
ease their way to their second ever National Final. The O’s were waiting in
Sheffield but after 7 years of dominance the National title changed hands as
Ashley Heath passed, Tony Stiitt ran and the Knights Defense intercepted their
way to a 28-14 triumph. The team had put a landmark in Knights history and in
Britball history. 2005 sees Coach Rains return for his 10th year with a team
determined to repeat at home and go one better in Europe.
2005 was another very successful year for the club even though the
achievements fell just short of 2004 for the team. In the EFAF Cup the Knights
recorded an historic first ever win for a British team over a French opponent in
a well contested game in front of 500+ spectators at the Aldershot FC ground.
The return leg however saw the French overcome the deficit to take their place
in the Quarter Finals. In the domestic regular season the Knights repeated as
Southern Conference Champions with a 9-1 record, their only loss, to the London
Olympians, being avenged in a thrilling 22-21 win over their closest rivals. The
play offs saw mega drama as the Knights struggled to overcome a strong challenge
from the Southern Sundevils. The sundevils led with 4 minutes remaining on a
fumble recovery return. The Knights however asserted themselves through star
runner Kingsley Ejiogu – he scored the 2 point tying conversion set up by the
Ashley Heath to Derek Freeman TD with just 2 minutes to go. It was Ejiogu again
in the first period of overtime that put the Knights ahead. Steve Belcher added
the 1 point conversion – the Sundevils hit straight back but #79 Richard
Rochester stopped the 2 point try with assistance from Tony Mackenzie to seal
the Knights return to the Britbowl Final. The Knights dominated the first half
of the Final and led 17-0 at the break – in a game literally of 2 halves however
the Olympians fought back to regain their crown by 22-21. On the International
scene the Knights provided 12 players to the GB Lions team in the European
Nations finals.
In the Off Season the Knights received 2 major honours. RB Kingsley Ejiogu,
having achieved a second consecutive 1,000 + yd season was voted both the
Knights and the BAFL Most Valuable player award. In addition to that Head coach
Steve Rains was inducted into the Minor League Hall of Fame in Mesquite Nevada.
At the time of writing 2006 has jumped off to a history making start as the
Knights travelled to Las Vegas in the USA for a pre-season game with Team USA.
This being the first visit of this kind for 20 years. The 3-15 defeat was a
significantly better result than many expected and the club can claim due credit
for raising awareness of the game in the UK. With a new home ground in Aldershot
and the loss of several key players the new season promises a lot of future
challenge.
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