AMERICAN FOOTBALL
IT is a case of do or die for the Scottish Claymores tomorrow as the defending World League champions travel to Dusseldorf to face Rhein Fire.
At stake is the visitors' berth for this year's World Bowl on June 22, which the Barcelona Dragons will host.
Following their home win over Amsterdam Admirals last weekend, the Claymores (3-3) are back in the hunt for that berth, but are now involved in what amounts to a sudden- death duel with Rhein Fire (4-3) and London Monarchs (3-3) in the race to win the second half of the season
One game ahead of the Claymores and Monarchs, Rhein Fire also possess a head-to-head advantage over the Scots after a success at Murrayfield in week two.
The Dusseldorf team are on a high coming off back-to-back victories over Frankfurt Galaxy, and with a large and hostile crowd expected - allied to the fact that the Claymores have never won at the venue, Jim Criner's side face a big challenge.
''This is a huge game for us,'' said Criner, ''and one we've been working for. A win in this one gives us a real chance to control our own destiny - but also there is little room for error.''
The Claymores will have to coral TJ Rubley, who has emerged as one of the league's top quarterbacks, and while the Scots secondary - excellent against Amsterdam - should rise to the occasion, the Claymores replacement front seven may not have enough time to gel in the face of the threat posed by Carter and company.
STEVE LIVINGSTONE
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