The Sussex Thunder opened their account for 2008 with a win at old rivals the Oxford Saints, recording a shutout in the process on the back of a swarming performance by the new look Thunder defense. In a low scoring affair, the Thunder only required a touchdown grab from WR Phil Allman and a Chris Percival 35-yard FG to prevail in a somewhat scrappy game that will have appealed to defensive purists.

The Thunder defense prevented Oxford from advancing any further than the Sussex 30 yard line, restricted the Saints to under 100 net yards total offense and snaffled 4 turnovers, with LBs Paul Nixon and Andre Clarke intercepting errant passes. Clarke's interception in the 3rd quarter looked set to be returned to the house, only for him to be tripped up at the Saints' 3 yard line, setting up the FG that gave Sussex a 10-point lead. 

This Sunday sees the dawn of a new BAFL 1 campaign for the Sussex Thunder, with the first two weeks of the season throwing up some familiar match-ups. 

Although BAFL 1 South has a different look about it in 2008 - with 2007 BAFL 2 champions Norwich Devils and former BAFL Premier outfit the Southern Sundevils replacing the Colchester Gladiators and Farnham Knights respectively – Sussex will begin the season with two games against old rivals.  

On Sunday the Thunder travel to Oxford in a repeat of the first game of 2007, where they will take on a Saints side who, although having lost some veteran names in the off-season, will doubtlessly have picked up some new blood and are always well prepared. The Saints tied their opening game of the season 18-18 three weeks ago at Norwich and will be looking to get their season kick-started at home.