For all those of you who didn’t know, Sunday 26th January 2003 apparently witnessed the most watched sporting event in the world." This may be an exaggeration, but the Superbowl certainly represents one of the greatest shows on Earth.

This year, the AFC Champions the Oakland Raiders took on NFC Champs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego California. Before the game, the Raiders were slight favourites, boasting the best offence of the season - not surprising considering they have the best wide receiver in the history of the game. Tampa, on the other hand, had ground out their results with the best defence in the league. So who would win - best offence or best defence?

After a cheesy display of patriotism led by a Canadian!), the match finally got underway. It seemed to be Oakland’s game at first, as they notched up a quick and easy three points, but Tampa ran the ball right back at Oakland, scoring two touchdowns in the first half.

Things were looking pretty bleak for the best offence, and at half time, while we all settled down to watch an impressive looking (although not so impressively sounding), Shania Twain, Oakland were sure to be getting a stern telling-off by head coach Bill Callahan.

Things went from bad to worse in the second half, as Tampa ran away with the victory. The fact that the Tampa defence caught more of Rich Gannon’s passes than his own offence goes to show what a one-sided affair this was.

The Tampa pass rush, led by Simeon Rice and Warren Sapp, was just too much for Oakland, and despite a couple of late touchdowns by Oakland, Tampa Bay ran out winners 48-21 for the first time in the franchise’s history.

The University of Sussex American Football team, whilst not up to Superbowl standard, has started training with the local senior team. The Tsunami are benefiting from the good facilities and superb coaching staff. The team has kitted up for the first time, and are incorporating themselves into the Sussex Thunder’s training sessions. The switch to kitted football hasn’t been easy, but has been really enjoyable, especially for the defence, who can now start making real tackles.

Coach Chris Emery is beginning to sculpt his team, and there is some great talent within it. However, some areas of the team are struggling due to a shortage of personnel. The team still actively recruiting, and in particular it needs linemen. For those not sure, they are the big, tough guys to push people around and tackle the ball carriers. Arguably the most enjoyable position, they are also the most important unit of the team, and essential to everything that is American Football.

If you think you would like to put on some pads and a helmet and give the game a go (even if you don’t want to be a lineman), then email Chris on brightonusfootball@hotmail.com. You don’t need to have any experience, as we can teach you everything you need to know.

Come and support the Tsunami, and who knows, maybe it will be you strolling out at the Qualcom Stadium taking part in "most watched sporting event in the world."