Oxford lose on the field, but the bigger battle is off it for their QB

Report by James Dunstan

Photo credits Chris Janes and Jamie Stancombe

 

The promising 2015 Saints campaign came to a close last Sunday when Oxford were knocked out 50-13 in the Division II Quarter-Finals.

Despite the loss to the Brighton team, the Saints are pleased with the season as a whole and making the playoffs is a remarkable achievement for a team with many young players, whilst playing in a competitive conference.

In the build up to the game, the Saints were dealt a blow when quarterback #10 Ben Denton was diagnosed with leukaemia, just several days before the contest. Denton was playing his first season as quarterback for Oxford and his dedication and talent saw the Saints into the playoffs.

 http://www.oxfordsaints.com/fundraising-for-leukaemia-lymphoma-research/ for more details on how the Oxford Saints are helping the fight against Leukaemia.

 

                                            Photo by Chris Janes – Every helmet has a #10 decal

The team wish him well on his road to recovery and the club showed solidarity behind Denton with #10 helmet decals, worn by all players during the playoff game.

Fundraising initiatives for the registered charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research will be announced soon and anyone wishing to support the cause can visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/DentonStrong

 

 

                                           #10 Ben Denton beats Bristol Apache earlier in 2015

Leading the Saints offense was 2nd string quarterback David McCormack, who was also experiencing his first year at the position after switching from running back.

McCormack has been training alongside Denton throughout the season and started his first game on 9th August, in a friendly against the Jurassic Coast Raptors. Although the side from Dorset were outmatched by the experience of the Saints, McCormack looked at ease and led Oxford to a comfortable 41-0 victory.

Prior to kickoff at Brighton Rugby Club, both teams and supporters observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims from the Shoreham Air Disaster which happened the previous day. 11 people lost their lives when a WW2 plane from a nearby air show crashed into a busy road on Saturday afternoon.

 

 

               Photo by Jamie Stancombe – Sussex observe a minute silence for the Shoreham Tragedy

1st Quarter

The Saints offense began with the ball and McCormack led the team onto the field. With Kev Brooks lined up in the back field, the ball was handed to the 2nd year running back but he was only able to pick up a few yards. Sussex’s experience as a former premiership side was shown early with their great ability to slow Oxford’s often-dangerous run game. The opening drive ended with little progress and the ball was punted away.

Sussex Thunder’s offense began with quarterback Junior Price under centre. The home team quickly broke out a big run for a gain of 24 yards, but a defiant Oxford defense stood their ground on the following attempts.

Facing a 4th and 4 yard situation in Saints territory, Sussex decided to go for it and a completed pass gave them another 1st down. The first score of the game came on the next play when Roland Williams charged into the end zone from 11 yards out, giving Sussex a touchdown. Andrew Stone kicked the extra point and the home team took an early lead of 7-0.

 

 

                                  Photo by Chris Janes – Rees Gidley shows his support for #10

The Saints attempted to establish their run game on the next drive but faced fierce contest from the Thunder defense. The ball was placed into the capable hands of Grant Tebb but he was brought down behind the line of scrimmage for a 1 yard loss.

McCormack attempted a pass to wide receiver Ali Galbraith on 3rd down but it fell incomplete and the offense were forced to punt again. High winds however resulted in the punted ball only covering a short distance and gave Sussex great field position on Oxford’s 29 yard line.

Oxford’s defense looked on form and the Sussex ball carrier was brought down after just a 1 yard gain by first year player Jonny Little. On the next play, George Wright claimed the tackle for a 1 yard loss.

After picking up a few yards on 3rd down, Sussex went for it again on 4th and found an uncovered receiver on course for the Saints end zone. Price’s precision throw ended up in the hands of Adam Fishlock who scored the 2nd touchdown for the Thunder. The extra point by Stone was good, 14-0 Sussex.

 

 

                                                               Photo by Jamie Stancombe

McCormack and the Saints finally began to move the ball with hard running from James Walter, Grant Tebb and Ryan Kingshott. Picking up several 1st downs, Oxford were marching down the field but were plagued by penalties along the way, making it an uphill struggle. The Saints fell short on 4th down as the 1st quarter came to a close.

2nd Quarter

Sussex took over from their own 10 yard line and had a long distance to travel. A 12 yard run gained them a first down with cornerback Matt Wheldon on the tackle. The offense were close to picking up another first down but tackles from linebackers Dean Bryan and Graeme Taylor stopped the Thunder short and they were forced to punt for the first time in the game.

With Oxford’s offense back on the field, it was all Ryan Kingshott as he ran hard against the Sussex defense who struggled to contain him as he picked up 33 yards on multiple carries. Relief came when McCormack handled the ball to Grant Tebb, who outpaced the defenders towards the sideline and into the end zone for a much-needed touchdown. Spencer Duffy kicked the extra point, 14-7 to Sussex.

 

 

                                               Photo by Chris Janes – Grant Tebb scores the TD

Another strong display by the Saints defense with tackles from Martin Fitzpatrick, Taylor, Bryan and Calvin Holmes saw the Thunder stopped in their tracks, forcing another punt.

McCormack took over from Oxford’s 14 yard line and after a gain of a couple of yards by Kingshott, disaster struck on the following play when a big hit was landed on McCormack by Thunder’s Dominic Gould. The unexpected hit forced the ball into the air and into the hands of Dan De Lucia, who returned it the short distance for the score.

McCormack required medical attention on the field before being assisted to the Oxford sideline. He was ruled out of the game with a suspected concussion, which left the Saints with no quarterbacks after losing starting quarterback Ben Denton a few days earlier. Stone added the extra point kick once play resumed, and the Thunder extended their lead 21-7.

 

 

                                Photo by Jamie Stancombe – Sussex return interception for TD

The quarterback duty passed to Grant Tebb, who is an experienced player with previous history of playing quarterback when at university. However, having Tebb under centre meant that the Saints lost one of their most dangerous offensive weapons.

As the 2nd quarter came to a close, Sussex scored a field goal with Andrew Stone kicking the ball through the uprights from 24 yards out, giving the hosts an additional 3 points. 24-7.

3rd Quarter

Following the interval Oxford kicked the ball off to Sussex to get the 2nd half started, but an amazing play by linebacker Luke Fry saw him forcefully strip the ball away from the Thunder ball carrier and recovered possession immediately for the Saints.

 

 

                                                Photo by Chris Janes – Luke Fry strips the ball

Despite the promising change in momentum, Tebb and the Saints offense were unable to capitalise in the face of a strong defense and the ball was soon turned over back to Sussex.

With Jaden Ellis in at quarterback for the Thunder, a quick drive up field aided by penalties against the Saints defense brought Sussex within scoring range. Tichaona Chisango crossed the line for a 5 yard touchdown run. The extra point kick was good, 31-7 to Sussex.

Oxford’s defense held Sussex to just 19 yards on their next drive, with stops coming from Matt Wheldon and Spencer Duffy, forcing another punt.

The Saints struck back with an impressive drive up field. Hard running from James Walter, who broke the 1,000 rushing yard mark earlier in the season, combined with a continuously strong performance from Kingshott brought Oxford into Sussex territory.

Tebb handed the ball to Kingshott again who charged through the Sussex defense for a 31 yard touchdown run. Oxford attempted a 2 point conversion to try and narrow the divide, but Ali Galbraith was unable to find the endzone. 31-13 Sussex.

 

11895166_889134721162926_5231915674354771999_o

 

Photo by Chris Janes – Ryan Kingshott celebrates the TD

4th Quarter

With veteran quarterback Eber Kingston now at the helm for Sussex, he connected with receivers DJ Ser’Jeanton and Fishlock for good yards, combined with solid running from Chisango and Ben Chukwu-Onu on the ground. A short drive ended with Stone running the ball in himself from 1 yard out for the score. This time it was James Goodsell who attempted the extra point kick for Sussex but it was missed. 37-13

Oxford continued to rely on the ground game after losing both it’s quarterbacks and it was Kingshott who continued to see most of the work. The offense continued to be plague by costly penalties, greatly hindering their ability to progress down field. A deep pass to Walter over the middle of the field would have given Oxford a big gain, but offensive pass interference was called on Walter and the ball was brought back.

On 4th down, Tebb attempted a pass out towards the sideline to Leroy Holmes but it was intercepted and returned 37 yards for the score by Dominic Gould. Goodsell kicked the extra point and the visitors were sitting comfortably on a 44-13 lead.

 

 

Walter took over at quarterback for Oxford and attempted to find another scoring opportunity on the final two drives of the game, but was unable to make any considerable gains against a confident and physical Sussex defense.

A 6 yard touchdown run late in the 4th quarter gave the Thunder their final score of the day, but they were unable to kick the extra point. Final score 50-13 Sussex.

Summary

Entering the game with several missing players, most notably starting quarterback Ben Denton, the Saints remained confident that the hard running threat posed by Tebb, Walter and Kingshott would keep Sussex under pressure. After losing quarterback McCormack in the 2nd quarter, the Saints were unable to move the ball in the air and were continuously hindered by penalties.

The experience and determination of Sussex was on display from the opening kickoff right to the end, as they claimed the much deserved win.

Although the Saints season has come to a close, it has been an exceptionally successful year for the team. With a large recruitment drive kicking off 2015, the team is filled with rookies earning starting spots across the depth chart, most notably on the defense. The club is also developing it’s own home-grown quarterbacks in Denton and McCormack, who are both Oxford locals transitioning from other positions.

 

 

                                   Photo by Chris Janes – Ali Galbraith led the pre-game huddle

The Oxford Saints are pleased that they made the playoffs in a competitive roster and look forward to many rookies returning for their 2nd year of Saints football in 2016 to develop their skills further.

We wish all remaining playoff teams the best of luck in their upcoming games. Bristol Apache are the only team from the same conference still standing in the playoffs, after a 32-17 victory over the Wembley Stallions. The Apache now sit on a strong 8-1 record, with their single loss coming from the Saints.

Recruitment is already in progress for the next season and our rookie training days at the 3G Dome in Oxford have been confirmed. Find out more at www.oxfordsaints.com.

The team would like to thank all it’s players, staff and fans for the commitment to the Saints over the season.

In the meantime, if you wish to show support to Ben, the Saints and all those across the country affected by Leukaemia, you can donate through http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/DentonStrong.

 

 

                         Photo by Chris Janes – #10 Ben Denton and HC Andrew Day earlier in 2015

Sandwell keep momentum going with Quarter-Final win over Leicester

Report by Leigh French

The Sandwell Steelers booked their place in the NFC2 Semi-Finals with a 21-6 win over division rivals the Leicester Falcons. The two sides had met 4 weeks earlier in a close affair that the Steelers won in the last minute to ensure that they won the division and the right to host the playoffs, but Leicester had rebounded to win their last game and ensure that they too made the post season. Falcons were now looking to capatalise on the chance to gain revenge on the Black Country men by defeating them in the knockout stages. With all four previous meetings having been decided by less than a touchdown, another tense affair was expected. Whilst the first half was a closely contested battle of field position, the Steelers pulled away in the second half, eventually securing a comfortable winning margin on the back of three passing touchdowns from Quarterback Jonny Glover.

Early on the game was contested in the trenches with each team's power running attack, as both offenses tried to impose their physical will on the game. Although both teams did move the ball with moderate success, ultimately both defenses proved to be up to the challenge, and were able to prevent any points from being scored. The visitors actually came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first quarter with a scoring run that was ruled out for a holding penalty. Sandwell's attack was also hampered by a number of poorly timed penalties, which time and again left them needing to make more than just 10 yards to get a first down and stay on the pitch. As the half wore on though, the Steelers slowly turned the territorial battle in their favour, thanks to combination of hard running from Leigh French on offense, fine tackling from Shane Green and Jake Hill on defense and excellent positional punting from Greg Freeman. On the stroke of half time, Sandwell finally made the field position pay: with five seconds to go before the break, Glover fired a long pass downfield to Steve Kinnersley, who leapt up to make the catch, and managed to fight off two Falcons defenders to narrowly break the goal line as time expired. Liam Duncan converted the score to give the Steelers a 7-0 halftime lead.

The Steelers were buoyed by the late score, and capitalised on the momentum change early in the second half, as Glover found favourite target Drew Newiss on a long bomb downfield. Newiss caught the ball in stride and raced away from the Leicester defense to go 70 yards for the score, extending his own personal run of 11 consecutive games with a touchdown. Duncan again converted to extend Sandwell's lead to 14-0. The defense were fired up by the score, and set about shutting down the Falcon offence, with James Beckett clogging up Leicester's runs up the middle, and Dan Hampton cleaning up anything that came around the edges. The Steeler offense was now in full swing, as French and Dan James made yards behind a solid Steeler O Line, whilst Glover connected several times with Newiss and Andrew Morgan to keep the chains moving. Early in the fourth quarter, Glover found Newiss again for another long TD, and the reliable Duncan once more tacked on the extras to put the home side up 21-0. The proud Falcons continued to play tough, and capitalised on a blocked punt to grab a score that gave them hope of a comeback with five minutes to go, but after Dan Hampton recovered the ensuing onside kick, the Steelers' offense ensured that the visitors never got the ball back, and ran out the clock to bring up a 21-6 final score line.

Head Coach Jay Alexander was delighted with the performance: "This was a quality showing under the circumstances today. We know Leicester are the best team we've played up to this point, and the conditions made it awkward for either side to showcase their attacking talents early on. I think the difference was that we stayed committed to passing the ball even in the poor weather, and were able to hit the big plays when it counted. Steve made a great play to break the deadlock just before half time, & Drew has shown all season what great playmaking ability he has and added a couple more to his highlight real this season. But massive credit must be given to our offensive coordinator Dave Butler for sticking with the game plan and refusing to panic- I don't think many people would have expected to see three long passing touchdowns in this weather today, but Dave has always tried to run a balanced offense, and the weather wasn't going to change that. His confidence in the players was rewarded today."

Alexander was also highly complementary of the defense: "I thought the guys on D really stepped up their physicality today. In the last game our usual flow to the ball wasn't there and the last time we played Leicester we had a hard time stopping their power running, but today we dealt with it much better, which played a big part in us eventually winning the field position battle in the first half and nicking a score just before halftime. Dan and Shane have been outstanding all season, and each of them had another big game today. James has really made that interior Linebacker spot his own over the course of the season, whilst Jake has moved up from safety to join the Linebacker corps, and that transition is really starting to come to fruition, culminating in the type of performance he put in today."

The Steelers next challenge comes in the form of the fourth seeded Newcastle Vikings, who finished the season with an 8-2 record, and earned their semi final place with a 23-14 victory over the Staffordshire Surge. If the Steelers can win they will not only receive a spot in the NFC2 Final, but will also secure promotion to the NFC1 League for 2016, capping off an amazing turnaround for a team that just 12 months prior had only 2 wins all season.

Bury run past the Sharks to keep great season going

Report by Chris Wallis

Photos courtesy of William G Watson

 

Bury Saints 27 – 9 Cornish Sharks

 

Two touchdowns each from RB’s Derek White and Jake Swisher were enough to see the Bury Saints beat the Cornish Sharks in a tough Quarter Final encounter. The victory sets up a Semi Final contest against the Sussex Thunder on the 6th September.

Sponsors Pitstop Autofactors with some of the team

The Sharks won the toss and their power running game soon moved the ball inside the Saints 20yd line. On 1st Down DL Shaz Begg and Fabian Mitchell combined to stop the Sharks for a short gain before LB Jack Hewett forced a loss on 2nd down. CB Willie Sloan broke up a pass on the next play to set up a 43yd Field Goal which was missed wide right.

RB Chris May running the ball

A ‘Roughing the Passer’ penalty moved the ball to the Saints 35yd line from where QB Fred Boyle hit WR Evin Reece for a 20yd pass play. RB White broke a run for 21yds to the Cornish 14yd line. But it was the Saints turn to end a promising drive without a score as an excellent interception by the Sharks Free Safety kept the game scoreless.

 

Penalties and tackles by LB Jesse Carlos and DL Rob Love soon forced the Sharks to punt. Short runs by RB White and Chris Ramsey were followed by a 17yd sprint by RB Jake Swisher. A further penalty against the Sharks moved the ball to their 12 yd. line. Three plays later RB White dashed into the end zone from 2yds out to open the scoring. Alex Clark kicked the extra point for 7-0 lead at the end of the 1st Quarter.

WR Brandon Faison catch and run in front of a record crowd

Bury struggled to move the ball on their next drive and handed the ball back Cornish when they failed to convert a 4th&5 situation. The Sharks went deep on the 1st down and connected on 40yd pass completion. An incomplete pass and an 8yd run followed before Team Captain Carlos broke up a 3rd down pass attempt. On 4th Down the Sharks kicked a 27yd Field Goal to reduce the score to 7-3.

Bury responded immediately as RB May raced 85yds untouched into the end zone on the ensuing kickoff. But a penalty against the Saints cancelled out the score and the home side started the drive at their own 14yd line.

WR Brandon Faison getting tackled

Not to be daunted, the Saints Offence went straight back to work. A 9yd pass completion to RB Swisher was followed by a 12yd run by RB May. QB Boyle went deep to WR Reece for 33yds to give the Green & Gold a 1st down at the Sharks 20yd line. But the Cornish Defence stood firm and once again Bury came away from the Red Zone without scoring as they failed to convert on 4th down.

Fortunately, two plays later Bury had the ball again. LB Jack Hewett chased down the Sharks QB for a sack and forced a fumble that was recovered by DL Fab Mitchell at the Cornish 16yd line. A penalty forced the Saints back to the 21yd line. A 12yd hook up between QB Boyle and WR Brandon Faison and penalty against the Sharks set up RB Swisher to power his way into the end zone from 4yds out. The extra point attempt by Clark was blocked making the score 13-3 in favour of Bury.

RB Derek White on a run with some blocking help from OL Michael Bragge

Both sides had time for one more drive each. But despite pass completions of 13yds to WR Axl Rodwell and 20yds to WR Faison neither team was able to add to their score before half time.

Another solid kick return by RB May opened second half and the Saints offence finally started to show the kind of form seen through the regular season. An 11yd May sprint was followed by a 15yd catch and run by WR Faison. Runs of 5yds by RB May and 8yds by RB White allowed QB Boyle to find WR Faison again for 18yds. A short rumble by RB Ramsey Orr and a penalty had the ball at the Cornish 6yd line from where RB Swisher blasted home for his second touchdown of the game. The extra point was missed but Bury had a 19-3 lead.

Bury Saints D line after the Sharks QB

 

The Sharks looked set to respond straight away as, mixing their power running game with some good short passes, they advanced to the Bury 24yd line in nine plays.  Another pass completion looked certain to result in a touchdown, but a big hit by Free Safety Dmont Herring forced the ball out of the Receivers hands and LB Chris Smith recovered at the Saints 5yd line.

Three runs by RB Swisher, including a 17yd gain, moved the ball out to the Bury 31yd line as the 3rd Quarter ended. QB Boyle scrambled for 9yds before RB Scott Curry moved the ball to the Cornish 42yd line with an 11yd run. On the next play RB White surged off right tackle before cutting back to the left behind some great down field blocking and out sprinting Sharks defenders for the Saints fourth touchdown of the game. QB Boyle added the extra points for a 27-3 score line.

The swarming Bury Defence, Led by Carlos, Begg and LB Justin Gulley, shut down the Cornish Offence on their next drive and forced them to punt after only three plays. Strong running by RB’s Orr, Curry and Joe Hill, plus a 25yd run by RB May, helped Bury embark on a time consuming 12 play drive. But, as the torrential rain set in, a fumbled snap was recovered by the Sharks at their own 6yd line.

Saints LB and captain Jesse Carlos after the ball carrier

 

Despite the game clock running down, the ‘Never say Die’ Sharks came out fighting right to the end. A 63yd pass completion moved the ball to the Saints 14yd line. Three plays later the Cornish QB avoided a heavy Saints pass rush and scrambled home for a consolation score. Time expired during the play and the game ended 27-9 to the Bury Saints.

Saints Head Coach, Chris Wallis, reflected “It wasn’t our best performance and I don’t think we covered ourselves in glory. It was the team’s first ever playoff game and that seemed to affect us a bit. But we stuck with it and settled down in the second half and finished the game comfortably.

It’s disappointing that we allowed Cornish to score on the last play of the game. But, to be honest, it was nothing less than they deserved. The Sharks were everything we expected; a tough hard-nosed football team, who gave everything and battled right up to the final whistle.

This was just the type of game we needed after the run in we had at the end of the season. Play Off football is always going to harder than the regular season. Passions ran high at times and things didn’t always go our way. I’m really pleased with the way we regrouped when confronted with difficult circumstances.”

The Saints will now host the Sussex Thunder in the Semi Finals at Thetford Rugby Club on the 6th September.

Wallis added “We know that Sussex are an excellent side. They are well coached with some excellent players so the hard work starts all over again. It’s going to be another cracking game!”

Vikings too strong for the Surge, move into Semis

Game Report by Mick Tyler

Photos courtesy of Michael Oakes Photography

 

Newcastle Vikings v Staffordshire Surge - Sunday 23^rd August 2015

 

Sunday proved to be an historic day for the Newcastle Vikings not only did they make the play offs in what is their first season in the British National League but they recorded their first playoff win with what was a less than convincing victory over Staffordshire Surge 23-14

On a beautiful sunny but windy day the conditions played some part in making the passing and kicking games interesting, both sides struggled all day to convert consistently

The first half in particular saw defences in control with each teams 2 missed Field goal attempts being the only action to speak of until Vikings QB Nick Whitehead hooked up to his brother Al with less than 2 minutes left to give the Vikings a small lead at the half 7-0

The Surge hit back with a TD early in the third quarter but missed the PAT to make the score 7-6

The Vikings responded with a second passing TD from Nick Whitehead this time to Danny Bomken and a 2 PAT conversion caught by Jonathan Kelmsley to take the lead to 15-6

Staffordshire were not finished there and they responded with a fine individual TD from QB John Wyse and a 2 PAT to bring the scores close again at 15-14

The Vikings responded this time with a similar running TD from QB Nick Whitehead to go to 21-14.

The game was completed when the Vikings defence scored on a safety to make the final score 23-14

 

MVP’s were

Offence – Davis Parker

Defense - Dick Carr

Specials – Robbie Brumpton

Team – Nick Whitehead

 

Next up is the semi-final game V Sandwell Steelers on Sunday 6^th September

 

Thunder storm past the Saints

Report by Tony Miller

 

Sussex Thunder 50 -13 Oxford Saints

In a match-up destined by most of the pundits to go down to the wire, the home town Thunder cruised into the semi-finals with a convincing 50-13 triumph over the Oxford Saints at Thunder Field.

The rain stopped and the sun showed its face as the teams took to the field. Both teams lined up after the coin toss for a minute's silence in respect of the victims of the previous day's tragedy at the Shoreham Air Show just a few miles along the road.

Sussex started the game on top form, forcing the visitors 3 and out on their first two possessions, both times taking the ball back for a score. Roland Williams opened the scoring with an 11 yd. run.  This was closely followed up when QB Junior Price found Adam Fishlock, who took the ball home to make the score 14-0 with less than 5 minutes gone.

The visitors struggled to make any headway against the Sussex defence, with Jimmy Stavropoulos and Dave Lawrey leading the tackles. It was well into the 2nd quarter when the Saints put their first decent drive together: hard running by Oxford #14 got them down inside the Sussex 10, and two plays later he carried the ball into the end zone to bring Oxford back within 7 points.

However, the visitors, who were without their starting QB, were soon down by two scores again when a thumping hit by SS Dominic Gould on the back-up passer forced the ball straight into the hands of Dan de Lucia, who returned the pick all the way to the end zone. Even more bad news for the Saints was they were now down to their number 3 QB. The incident-packed 1st half finished with the Thunder extending the lead to 24-7 with an Andy Stone FG.

Thunder HC Ian Ellis stressed to players at the interval not to slacken off. Oxford could still get back into the game if they lowered their concentration levels.

The home side did not let up and it wasn't long before they scored again, with Jaden Ellis now at the helm, set up a 5yd TD run by TK Chisango.

With the Saints now down 31-7 and the game seemingly out of their hands, the Saints #14 exploded through the line, broke a couple of tackles to bring the score back to 31-13.

However, this was no deterrent to the Thunder offence who kept on moving the ball downfield, with Ellis and Eber Kington finding WR's DJ Ser'Jeanton and Fishlock on a regular basis, and Chisango and Ben Chukwu-Onu chewing up the yardage on the ground. It took just 3 plays for the Thunder to revisit the end-zone, RB Andy Stone going in from a yard out.

Another pick 6, this time by Dom Gould and a late run by rookie Bright Kubi finished off the scoring. The game ended with a Chris Aldridge interception as time ran out with the home side taking a thoroughly-deserved win

One sour note on the day for the Thunder was the loss of WR Tom Kelly with a badly broken collarbone sustained in the pre-game warm-ups.

Coach Ellis commented after the game "We went out and gave a thoroughly professional performance today: that was one of the best games we've put together all season."

 Saints HC Andrew Day said "We were beaten by a very, very good team today and wish them the best in the semi."

Looking for their third championship in 7 years, the Thunder now travel to Norfolk, to the league's other Saints. Bury St Edmunds on the 6th September.

Thrashers win with dramatic overtime finish

Report and Photos by Gordon Dedman

 

These two teams always play hard-nosed football when hitting hard is the order of the day and defense dominates and this semi-final didn’t disappoint.

When the two teams last met at Test Park in June, they played a very tight game that the Thrashers won with a late field goal. Expectations for this playoff game were no different and the promise was fulfilled.

 

The Eagles began in earnest, but penalties held back their first series while an attempted field goal missed. An Eagles interception on the Thrashers first possession sparked another good series for Ouse Valley, but once again it came up short with another missed field goal. In the close-fought game, these missed opportunities would be costly.

Two forced fumbles in the second quarter confirmed the control the Eagles were exerting and it eventually paid off when they took possession on their opponents 16 and quarterback Justin Laroda ran in the opening touchdown. The point after attempt was blocked giving the Eagles a 6-0 lead they held going in at the half as both defenses shut down their opposite numbers.

 

All the hard work the Eagles put into the first two quarters game disappeared when Thrashers Josh Amis returned the second half kickoff to the one. Three downs later, the Thrashers tied the scores with Jack Verling’s touchdown catch with the failed extra point attempt tipped.

The Eagles quickly responded. A kickoff return to midway set them up for a scoring drive, helped by a Chris Cowley’s catch that took them to the red zone. Once again, Eagles work horse Laroda finished the drive with his 9-yard touchdown run. The two points after attempt hit a brick wall, but the Eagles led 12-6.

Playing catch-up, the Thrashers tried to move up a gear, but the Eagles defended every yard. A Thrasher field goal attempt was blocked as they applied pressure while the Eagles dug in.

The resolute Eagles stopped a Solent scoring chance when they sacked Thrashers quarterback forcing a turnover, but by a quirk of fate it led to their undoing. The Eagles went three and out and punted. Solent’s Amis muffed the punt, but avoids the onrushing special team players and returns the punt to the Eagles 4.

On second down the drama continued. Solents quarterback Dayle Greenfield heads for the goal line, but is tackled short and fumbles the ball into the end zone where teammate Joe Pascoe recovers. The extra point is missed and once again the game was deadlocked at 12-12.

After three hours of determined struggle, injuries began to take their toll on the Eagles and it was difficult for the players to get an offense going and the bright light of their earlier efforts began to fade.

 

When the game went into overtime tired, damaged bodies were no longer at their peak. The Eagles went on offense first from their opponents 35, but although their minds were focused, their strength had been sapped. 

The Hollywood script called for a fairy tale ending, but that wasn’t to be. It was a bizarre play that broke the Eagles hearts and sent the jubilant Thrashers to the final. On fourth down, Ouse Valley attempted a field goal that was blocked and then returned 97 yards by Amis for the winning touchdown.

Both teams fought a tenacious battle in good spirit and the respect for each other can be measured by the tributes the two coaches paid each other on Facebook.

 

Solent coach Russ Hewitt, “We managed to fight back into a game, that Eagles had an early strangle hold on. I would have to be honest, and the Eagles just ran out of players.Can't remember the last time we faced 4 different QBs in one game! Credit to coach William White as he had his team ready to ball today. These games just get closer and closer... Needed OT today, but thankfully came out on top."

Eagles coach William White, “Well what a finish to the season it was a great game back and forth so proud of my eagles what we have accomplished and we're still moving forward! Was definitely a chess match with my brother Russ and his Thrashers.

I enjoyed every minute of the battle, well until you guys ran the football away from me lol. But in all seriousness my Eagles gave everything and I couldn't be more proud of them absolutely fantastic. I'll ride or die for any of you guys!!

A huge congrats to the Russ and the Thrashers program. You have a great program. Keep moving forward.”

 

Knights Power to the Final

Report by Steve Rains

Photos courtesy of Alison Berrisford

Farnham Knights 50 - 7 Hertfordshire Cheetahs

 

The Farnham Knights entered the play offs as the number one seed and justified that ranking with a display of power football that saw Gareth Davies run for 4Touch Downs and 205yds from just 13 carries with Nick Roope adding a further 112yds and a TD from 11 carries.

 

The Knights Defense also pitched in with arguably their best performance of the season against a Hertfordshire team that showed great spirit throughout the 4 quarters.

 

The Knights opened the scoring on the first offensive play of the game as the Offensive Line blew open a huge hole in the Cheetahs defense (a sign of things to come) and Gareth Davies sprinted 74yds for the opening score - John Symons added the extra point and the Knights led 7-0

 

Davies scored his second on the Knights next possession and the home team led 13-0 at the end of the first quarter.

 

The Cheetahs kept their heads up and struck back with a score of their own in the second period but the Knights stamped their authority on the tie with further scores as Davies completed his hatrick from 50yds out and Anthony Appleyard, who was playing on the offense for the first time, ran in from 3yds out.  Nick Roope ran in 2point conversions on both scores and the Knights led 29-7 at the half.

 

Despite the lead the Knights were aware that play off football is sudden death and no opponent will sit back and accept defeat - the Cheetahs came out determined to narrow the margin - but the Knights defense were up to the challenge led by star rookie lineman Luke Bridcutt and Rezz-J Wills who has recently converted to the defensive side of the team.

 

With the ball back in their possession the Knights powered the way to the final with a fourth TD for Gareth Davies and a 20yd run from Nick Roope. A high snap prevented the first score being converted but Roope's short pass to Ben Poppy added two points on the second occasion and the Knights led 43-7 at the end of the third quarter.

 

With the league's running clock rule in place because the Knights led by more than 35 points the fourth quarter was over quickly but there was however time for QB Oli De Ruyter to get his first rushing TD of the season as he plunged in from 1yd out. Jon Symons sealed the final score with the extra point.

 

Knights Head Coach Steve Rains said " I am so proud of the team and my coaching staff - this success is the result of hard work and commitment by all concerned - like most sports you get the results you want in equal proportion to the effort you put in.

 

This will be my 6th Bowl game for the Knights - for many of the squad it will be their first and I guarantee we are all equally excited by the prospect. When I came back to the club last year I didn't think we would get to this point so quickly - but I am confident we are ready to go and represent at the Final - we all know that the Solent Thrashers will be coming to avenge our win over them at the start of the season - the work begins now to prepare for the Final"

 

The Final will be held on Sunday 13th Sept at Leicester Road Stadium (formally Hinckley United Stadium), Hinckley LE10 3DR. Kick off will be 4-00pm

 

Ticket Prices are 5 GBP for Adults, 2 GBP for concessions, and Children (U16) Free of Charge .

 

 

OFFENSE:	DEFENSE:
Passing:	L Bridcutt 4S 2A +1FF R Wills 3S 3A R Balderson 1S 2A J Criddle 3S Ash-Lee James 2S 1A C James 3A S Price 2S 1A A Evers 1S 2A R George 2A K Ejiogu 1S 1A  +1FR T Roberts 2A D Kerr 1S K Goswell 1A D Francis 1S A Makinen 1A F Isaac 1A A Gillard 1A A Reid 1S M Gumas 1S W Paris 1S B Monk 1A
O De Ruyter 4 of 8 for 38yds
Receiving:
S Godfrey 2 for 20yds S Wills 1 for 11yds A Appleyard 1 for 7yds
STATS:
G Davies 13 for 205yds 4TD N Roope 11 for 112yds 1TD P Wakeford 5 for 41yds K Helps 5 for 17yds A Appleyard 1 for 3yds 1TD O De Ruyter 1 for 1yd 1TD
KICK OFF RETURNS
Ash-Lee James 1 for 62yds S Godfrey 1 for 20yds
OFFENSE TOTALS:
KNIGHTS:
Rushing 36 for 379yds  7TD Passing 4 of  8 for  38yds  TOTAL 44 for 417yds  7TD