NFL 2018 INTERNATIONAL SERIES GAME 2 -- TENNESSEE TITANS vs LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Sunday 21st October

Tennessee Titans vs Los Angeles Chargers @ Wembley Stadium



The 2nd of this seasons international games will again take place at Wembley on Sunday and continues the three scheduled game series in London. Owing to issues with Tottenham Hotspur new football stadium all of the three London games will now be played at Wembley Stadium instead. Another sell out crowd is expected for these popular matches and kick off will be at 2.30pm (Uk Time) and is expected to be broadcast live on BBC2 which is a wonderful show of support for the sport from the Broadcaster on top of their two weekly update shows. 

Current season record 

  Tennessee Titans
    - P6 W3 L3 F87 A107
  Los Angeles Chargers
    - P6 W4 L2 F175 A144

Head Coach -- Anthony Lynn

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota led them to their 1st playoff in nine years and at 24 still has plenty of time to continue to develop into something special. Has plenty of assistance from their offensive unit with Derek Henry and Taylor Lewan the two to note. The Chargers starting Quarterback is Philip Rivers and has been at the head of affairs since 2006 (when they were the San Diego Chargers). Rivers threw for 424 yards and three touchdowns in the Chargers season opening 38–28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, eclipsing 400 yards for the 10th time in his career. There's no doubt that Rivers is an exceptional QB but perhaps lacks the quality in the rest of the locker room to mount a significant challenge this season as demonstrated by their opening sequence of Won 4 Lost 2 after a win against the Cleveland Browns last weekend. Should make for a strong attacking game in London their last meeting resulted in a win for the Chargers by 43 - 35 so I will be aiming to back the OVER 44 points score.  

This is the first International Series game that the Tennessee Titans have played here at Wembley though their opponents the Chargers have played in London before in 2008 when appearing as San Diego Chargers losing a close game 37-32 to the New Orleans Saints. It will be another full house and the crowd will be roaring both teams home. Expect the stadium to be full of shirts of ALL NFL teams. We will aim to keep a brief summary of each quarter as the game progresses, should be a great start to this series of UK fixtures which will surely grow until we have our own regular season NFL franchise. 

Head Coach -- Mike Vrabel

For those of you not coming to Wembley this Sunday afternoon pleased to confirm you can watch the match live on the BBC, it's on their BBC2 channel and sure that Nat Coombs will host with plenty of guests. Also ensure you catch all the build up and highlights of matches played earlier on their regular Saturday night NFL Show with Jason Bell and Osi Umenyiora joining in the fun this season. Have a great day.

1st Quarter;
The national anthems are sung and it's Los Angeles who kick off having lost the toss and Michael Badgley sends the kick 62 yards to get us underway. Returned by Darius Jennings to the 33 yard line so the opening drive is underway, quarterback Marcus Mariota drives up inside the Chargers half and they reach the red zone with Mariota running himself to the 10 yard line. A few plays later and the field goal unit are required where Ryan Succop kicks a 28 yard field goal for the opening score. Los Angeles will start from their 25 yard line for their opening drive with Phillip Rivers passing immediately for a 75 yard Touchdown to Tyrell Williams and the Titans lead lasted all of NINE seconds. we have a game on here at Wembley.

Titans start their second drive from their 21 yard line, but they don't last long as Mariota is sacked on 3rd down so the punt team appear for the first time. The punt is caught on the 30 yard line, and reached the 22 yard line where there is a flag on the play ... and a 10yd penalty so it's 1st and 10 from the 22 line instead wiping out a huge play from the return team still five mins to go in the 1st quarter. Huge play and another 1st down from Keenan Allen who runs for 24 yards and the Chargers have the ball in the Titans half again soon taking it up the 10yd line and more points look like they are coming soon but they can't make it to the endzone this time and have to settle for a 29yd field goal from Michael Badgley with less than two minutes left in the opening quarter. 

2nd Quarter;
The 2nd quarter begins with the Titans moving forwards on the Chargers 41yd line looking to reduce the deficit. Mariota throws the first reception to the 18yd line (Tajae Sharpe) but they fail on 3rd and short again so it's another field goal from Succup (33 yards) and it's 6-10 Chargers. 

Los Angeles back for another drive moving up to midfield with Tyrell Williams again but fail to convert a 3rd down so it's punted away to the 5yd line and the game is a bit scrappy now we await a spark of life. Couple of quick 1st downs from Dion Lewis and Tajae Sharpe help but they almost mess up a 3rd and short again, Dion Lewis again just making the 1st down on the 45 yard line and there's only five mins left in the half. Tennessee have upped the tempo a little and Mariota completes a 19 pass to Tajae Sharpe for a first down close to the 30yd line and follows that by running himself to the 23yd line and another shot at the end zone as the two minute warning for the first half arrives. They started this drive on their own 5yd line, now up the  Chargers 10yd but do struggle to make TDs, this will be their last chance this half to score and they throw an interception which is killing me. Ball picked off by Denzel Perryman and the half comes to an end.  

H/T Score;   Tennessee Titans 6 -- 10 Los Angeles Chargers

3rd Quarter;
The Chargers once again waste little time on their opening drive of the second half and Philip Rivers throws deep to Mike Williams for a 55yd Touchdown (extra point good) to extend their lead to 6-17. Tennessee get straight back up field with the help of a defensive penalty to reach the 45 yard line but really need to convert this possession and first downs into touchdowns. Mariota passes to Luke Stocker for 10 yards and another first down, Dion Lewis takes it up the sideline to the 12 yard line and again runs to the 4yd line they MUST convert this first and goal opportunity from the 1yd line? They DO 1yd touchdown run from Derrick Henry and we have a ball game once more 13-17. The Chargers take over again and Rivers moves them up to the 38yd line with plenty of time in the 3rd quarter but is sacked at the 35yd line for a loss of eight yards, the drive is slowed down with the 3rd down pass only getting 11yds so will they go for the 4th and 1? No, they let the play clock count down and allow the punt team take to the field and it's back to the Titans 19yd line. Hopefully we will see some more scoring action soon. 

The Titans fail (including penalties) so have to punt away, it's returned to the Chargers 34yd line, Rivers can get them moving with four mins in the 3rd left. Austin Ekeler runs 11yds for another 1st down up towards the half way and another completed pass to Antonio Gates moves them into the Titans half once again. Rivers gets sacked again but picks himself up and throws another 1st down to Keenan Allen as the 3rd Quarter ends with the Chargers on the Titans 27 yard line. 

4th Quarter;
A nine yard run sets up 2nd and 1 which they fail to improve upon losing 3 yards. 3rd down and 4 from the 21 yard and Rivers throws for a completion by Keenan Allen although it's being challenged by the Tennessee Coach Mike Vrabel but the decision is upheld so it's 1st and 10 from 15yd line. They are unable to make it into the end-zone again so settle for another field goal to extend the lead to 13-20. 

The last play of the game took forever and it took Tennessee ages to finally get the ball in the end zone, they then went for the two point conversion to win the game but that was incomplete, with a flag down though so there is another play and another chance to get the two point play to win the game which fails and that means that the Chargers win 19-20. 

Not been the best game and I suppose we were overdue a duff one in London as the Chargers look set to extend their record to 5-2 in the AFC West just behind the Kansas City Chiefs.

F/T Score;  Tennessee Titans 19 -- 20 Los Angeles Chargers

NFL 2018 INTERNATIONAL SERIES GAME 1 -- SEATTLE SEAHAWKS vs OAKLAND RAIDERS

Sunday 14th October

Seattle Seahawks vs Oakland Raiders @ Wembley Stadium



The 1st of this seasons international games will take place at Wembley on Sunday and begins the three scheduled game series in London. Owing to issues with Tottenham Hotspur new football stadium all of the three London games will now be played at Wembley Stadium instead. Another sell out crowd is expected for these popular matches and kick off will be at 6.00pm (Uk Time) and is expected to be broadcast live on BBC2 which is a wonderful show of support for the sport from the Broadcaster on top of their two weekly update shows. To put on a live show in the evening and commit the schedule to potentially 3-4 hours worth of sport is something they have only done once before and that was on the now defunct BBC3 freeview channel. The other live games are on BBC2 at 2pm on subsequent Sundays and will probably move to the Red Button option for UK Viewers depending on how the game is progressing.  

Current season record 

  Seattle Seahawks
    - P5 W2 L3 F116 A114
  Oakland Raiders
    - P5 W1 L4 F107 A149

Head Coach - Jon Gruden

Most of the early season news from the Seattle Seahawks has been about the off field stories of Mychal Kendricks who faces a sentence for insider trading having already pleaded guilty to the charge. Possible that this sentence will not be until January but until then he is on a week to week contract for this season. On the field however quarterback Russell Wilson will be busy and their defence has one of the best interception rates in the NFL however their opening season record is very close and it's likely to be tight again. Oakland Raiders have started the season with one win after losing their first three but lost again last week heavily to the Los Angeles Chargers meaning both teams come here on the back of defeats. They both have a similar looking offence and it could be a tight game with the bookies slightly favouring the Seahawks. Key player to watch Marshawn Lynch plain and simple, the 32-year-old running back has been one of the most dynamic and consistent players in the NFL and has an incredible record in the opening half of games. Seahawks to win and over 48 points in the match, also backing the over 24 points score at half time too. 

Both teams will have a BYE week to recover from their travels in Week 7 after this match. 

This is the first international series game that the Seattle Seahawks have played here at Wembley their opponents however have been in London before in 2014 losing 38-14 to the Miami Dolphins. It will be a full house and the crowd will be roaring both teams home. Expect the stadium to be full of shirts of ALL NFL teams (they'll be a few Chelsea and Manchester United football shirts too no doubt) We will aim to keep a brief summary of each quarter as the game progresses, should be a great start to this series of UK fixtures which will surely grow until we have our own regular season NFL franchise. 

Head Coach - Pete Carroll

For those of you not coming to Wembley this Sunday afternoon pleased to confirm you can watch the match live on the BBC, it's on their BBC2 channel from 5:30pm and sure that Mark Chapman will host with plenty of guests. Also ensure you catch all the build up and highlights of matches played earlier on their regular Saturday night NFL Show with Jason Bell and Osi Umenyiora joining in the fun this season have a great day all.


1st Quarter;
Oakland win the coin toss and elect to kick off the first half, Matt McCrane kicks off and we are underway in London the ball is returned to the 18 yard line and Russell Wilson begins their first drive. Electing to run the first few plays of the drive and Chris Carson gets the first down and Mike Davis takes it up towards the half way line. The first downs continue with the first play thrown by Wilson for 20+ yards and the Seahawks are threatening the end zone already. This 82 yard drive results in the first score and a 5yd touchdown pass to Jaron Brown with ex Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski adding the extra point for a 7-0 lead. 

The Raiders take over on the 25 yard line and Derek Carr tries to get them moving but after three failed runs they have to punt on their first drive, the punt is poor and only reaches the 46 yard line and the Seahawks can take advantage of that although penalised on the first play losing 10 yards making it 1st and 20 and another offensive penalty immediately makes it 1st and 30 so that good field position has just been lost and they have to punt away themselves Michael Dickson kicks to the 12 yard line. Just over three mins of the first quarter to go, Marshawn Lynch has his first carry and gets the first down though negated by a Raiders holding penalty and it's 1st and 20 again, costly penalties here early on and Carr gets away with a sack too and the ball is turned over by the Seahawks after another Carr sack and fumble around the 25 yard line. Opening quarter ends with the Seahawks on the Raiders 20 yard line and leading 7-0. 

2nd Quarter;
Only took the Seahawks three plays before Wilson found David Moore for their second touchdown a 19 yard pass the extra point is good and it's 14-0 early in the second quarter. Raiders begin to struggle but a big play converted on 3rd down and 19 was a 21 yard run by Jalen Richard gets them moving, into the Seahawks half for the first time and Derek Carr scrambles himself to the 20 yard line and sets up a chance for the Raiders to score until he's sacked yet again in this half and the field goal unit is called upon, Matt McCrane tries from 48 yards but fails missing to the left. Seattle fail on their next drive and give Derek Carr another chance in this half as long as he doesn't get sacked anymore, needs bit more help from his offensive line. Two mins to go they trail by two scores and need to get into field goal range at least to take something from this half, alas they have a 4th and 1 chance but Derek Carr fails and that gives the ball back to Seattle with less than forty seconds to go before the half ends but two time outs gives them a chance of at least getting into field goal range. Sebastian Janikowski attempts from 44 yards and is successful as the half ends 17-0. 

H/T Score;   Seattle Seahawks 17 -- 0 Oakland Raiders

3rd Quarter;
The second half will see Seattle kick off Sebastian Janikowski sending the ball to the end zone for a touchback and the Raiders will start on their 25 yard line. Derek Carr gets sacked twice and the second of these is a fumble where the Seahawks recover the ball at the 11 yard line, another 10 yard offensive penalty moves them back to the 21 yard line but still in good field position though they have to settle for another Janikowski field goal to go 20-0 up. Too many penalties and sacks this game just hasn't really got going and is low in quality but the Seahawks making the most of their chances and look home and dry already.

4th Quarter;
Russell Wilson begins the final quarter with a 10 yard pass to Tyler Lockett for yet another touchdown (extra point is good) to extend the lead and now the game seems safe it's a case of whether they can ensure a shut out. Derek Carr makes a few first downs and also carries himself to the 20 yard line can they finally get into the endzone and then typically gets sacked again and appears injured before that they had managed a 44 yard field goal to finally get on the scoreboard.

A quiet end to a game that was never really going and far too many penalties for us. Hopefully the other two games in London will be more entertaining though. 

F/T Score;    Seattle Seahawks 27 -- 3 Oakland Raiders.

KEMPTON PARK RACES 2018 -- WEDNESDAY NIGHTS #20 10th OCTOBER

The evenings continue to draw in and get darker early, but the lights are on here always at Kempton on Wednesday.

It's been a few weeks since the last meeting here, but we've crowned the final Classic winner in Kew Gardens and seen a champion filly Enable win the Arc. While elsewhere life could be better, Wimbledon continue with their struggles and failed to beat either Bradford or Plymouth at the bottom of the league so how we will fare next weekend against Portsmouth is anyone's guess. Back to this blog as we continue to follow the progress of handicap races on the Wednesday night races here at Kempton Park racecourse in Surrey. We've not had the greatest first part of the year and are falling behind now although it's a bit up and down this is now into the last few months as we reach meeting number twenty. There are usually 4-5 handicap races covered and some Lay bets too with separate totals recorded to SP throughout the year. 

We are ready for week number twenty, and as we push on into the latter part of the year we need to find that winning habit again as we need to recover and take a dent out of the losses to date since we find ourselves down -43.72 points to SP, would be nice to continue turning this around and there is still a fair way to go we need some more winners soon and alas we record to starting prices.

As we continue to focus on the handicap contests for each Wednesday evening meeting we will also occasionally include a feature listed or conditions event too if one is available. Keeping records of our endeavours to a 1 point level stake at SP, naturally we will personally be looking to get better odds than this but for the purpose of these results here we simply record SP returns only.

We will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of short priced favourites too. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures, having a disappointing time with these of late keep on finding winners, this season though means we are currently 15/26 going forwards with these for 2018 and we at least keep accurate figures win or lose. 

This Wednesday is meeting number twenty for the 2018 season and we are expecting an eight race card tonight with four handicaps to enjoy the action will commence at 17:40 with division one of the 7f Novice Stakes a 2yo contest.

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; RACECARD

The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Wednesday is for a dark and cloudy day we a decent chance of rain so might be best to stay in the bars between races (just a suggestion) but we can still have a good night even with the threat of rain a top temperature will be about 19C by the time the meeting gets underway.

Here are our handicap selections for tonight;

19:10 -- 7f Handicap.
Our first handicap event tonight has a maximum field where MESQUITE [2nd 16/1] is worth another chance in this company having acquitted herself well at Chelmsford earlier in the year and appears here off a similar mark. Another three year old with a chance is NO I'M EASY [10th 16/1] who took a Haydock handicap but does need a market check and ought to prefer this going to the soft ground encountered since that win.

19:40 -- 1m 2f 219y Handicap.

A regular in Ireland last season PIPES OF PEACE [2nd 66/1] now tries his luck in the UK and could be well suited to this trip although the year off demands some respect. Taking that one along with the consistent BREXITMEANSBREXIT [4th 14/1] who has plenty of place experience with the occasional win for Richard Hannon and is expected to be close again. Lost a 66/1 shot by a short head. Tonight doesn't look like it's going to be mine.

20:40 -- 6f Handicap.
Top weight HARRISON STICKLE [11th 33/1] won't need to raise his game much past his recent win at Brighton to take this having run well off slightly higher marks already looks one to keep on the right side of in this company. Will also take the filly CHICA DE LA NOCHE [3rd 5/1] who was runner up here a fortnight ago and given another chance to win.

21:10 -- 1m Handicap.
A field of nine 3yo's for our finale tonight, the hat trick seeking AUXERRE will be all the rage for Godolphin yet we will have to take that on with PIECE OF HISTORY [2nd 7/2] the other Godolphin runner here tonight. 

GLOBAL CONQUEROR [6th 7/1] was sent off favourite for a race at Sandown last time but previously successful at Chelmsford and Leicester so worth another chance.

Staked -- 8 points.
Returns -- NIL points.

Results will appear here later on Wednesday night. After a small success last week we did reduce our deficit to -43.72 points. Fed up, keep getting big price 2nds now and lost another 8 points tonight, -51.72 will see out the year but if only that Pipes of peace one had come off. 

LAYS -- 15/28 so far, beginning to get them beat now, and if we have one or two Lays tonight they will be updated here also. Two favs win tonight, typical. 

Tonight's Lays;
Buffalo River -- 17:40 7f Novice Stakes WON 11/10F.
Caspar the Cub -- 18:40 1m 2f Maiden WON 15/8. Bugger.

Our next meeting here at Kempton Park will be in a few weeks time on WEDNESDAY 31st OCTOBER so hope to see you then.