FIRE AIM TO KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIGHT IN BERLIN

With memories of ending the Vienna Vikings’ unbeaten home record in thrilling fashion already banished, reigning European League of Football champions Rhein Fire look to build on the victory with another against struggling Berlin this weekend.

The Thunder currently sit in last place in the North Division with a record of two wins and four losses. Notably, their only successes have come against the Cologne Centurions and Fehérvár Enthroners, both teams significantly weaker than the side from the capital, and Rhein naturally see Sunday’s game as another opportunity to bolster their own record as they try and keep pace with table-topping Nordic Storm, whose game against the Helvetic Mercenaries on Saturday has already been postponed.

With the Storm and Fire due to meet for the first time ever in a fortnight, Rhein will look to build momentum ahead of the clash, using last week’s revenge on the road in Austria as fuel.

“Every game is another step forward in the development of the entire team,” emphasised running back Jonathan Scott who, the previous week, achieved a first 100-yard running performance against the Hamburg Sea Devils. Possession was his strong suit in the game against Vienna, helping the Fire eat up the clock and deny their hosts the chance to fight back at the end.

Berlin have undergone major changes this year, but continuity rules at quarterback, where Jakeb Sullivan is entering his second season with the team. The former Frankfurt Galaxy playmaker is still without a win against the Fire, but Rhein OC Fred Armstrong is warning his team to be ready for anything this weekend.

“Nothing can be taken for granted in this league,” Armstrong warned, calling for a focused performance after seeing Vienna overcome a sizeable deficit immediately after half-time at the Generali Arena last Saturday. “We are the reigning champions — and that’s exactly how we have to present ourselves.”

The game between Rhein and Berlin kicks off at 1300hrs local time on Sunday at Berlin’s Preussenstadion (Malteserstrasse 24-36).