The Kent Exiles kicked off their 2005 youth kitted American football season with a tough home match against the current UK Champions, the Bath Cardinals, and put on a greatly improved performance compared to last season. Last season the Cardinals crushed the Exiles 32-0, but it was a different story on Sunday. Both teams played with a passion and commitment, which was a testament to the game, their coaches, and the result was in the balance until late on in the game.

The half time score of 0-0, was a result of great defence by both teams. The Exiles were led by rookie Joe Alexis, who was making his first start since graduating from the junior team, and recorded an amazing 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks, he was ably backed up by Matt Floyd who recorded 21 tackles of his own.

The Cardinals opened the scoring in the second half with a five-yard run by rookie Ben Edgell to make it 6-0. The Exiles offence moved the ball well after that, but could not punch the ball into the endzone for the score, Dan Smith was unlucky not to cap a fine day running with a score.

The Exiles defence continued to make some great plays, Robbie Britton making an interception, and Gary Owen a sack, but it was not enough to stop the Cardinals scoring again late in the game. This time Henry Allen connected with connected with Chris Taylor for a twent-one yard score. For th second time in the game the extra points kick was missed. Chasing the game then the Exiles conceded a safety when quarterback Pat Turner was tackled in the endzone, to finally put the game out of reach, and give the final score line of 14-0.