Portsmouth conquer Hastings again to finish on a high

Report by Gordon Dedman

On a sunny, but windy day on the south coast, two teams faced each for a third time that would close out their season and at the same time decide who would be bottom of the division.

The Hastings Conquerors won the coin toss, but deferred their options to the second half. When the Portsmouth Dreadnoughts went three and out that decision looked to be a sound one. The Conquerors drove down the field, but when their drive faltered, attempted a field goal that missed wide left.

Both teams played hard defense and it wasn’t until the second quarter the deadlock was broken. Portsmouth’s quarterback Stuart Rees was scrambling searching for an open receiver before he connected with Will Purkiss who then pounded his way into the end zone. The two points after conversion put the Dreadnoughts 8-0 ahead at the half.

 

In the third quarter, Portsmouth began to control the game. Their interceptions were the springboard for an offense that was enjoying its play. One handed catches and authoritative running put on a sound display for their fans as the Dreadnoughts hard work paid off and saw another touchdown scored.

The Dreadnoughts missed a field goal at the start of the final period, but when the Conquerors turned the ball over on the next series, Portsmouth took full advantage and added another six points.

Time expired on the final play as the Dreadnoughts ran back an interception to seal their 28-0 victory.

But the real winners were football and Dreadnoughts former player Dan Wierzbicki, as the game was played in his honour and to raise funds to support him after a skiing accident that means he is now unable to play the sport he loves. (A total of 33,200 was raised on the day)

After the game, Dreadnoughts’ Peter Gray paid their opponents a compliment, “It was a great game by both teams. Either team could have won with the Hastings offense coming close a few times early on. However, the Dreadnoughts offense got the rub of the green and the defense was just a little bit sharper than Hastings.

Total respect to Hastings and how they have improved as the season has continued. They were really good for a first season and we look forward to playing them next year. A great bunch of lads.”

MY ANALYSIS OF THE SEASON

Both teams in their first full season playing BAFA league football have made progress. As rookie teams, it could not have been easy learning their trade while playing against more experienced players.

Both teams can be proud of the improvements they have made as the enthusiasm is there for all to see. Although the sun has now set on their season, if the players keep their spirit shining through the offseason, I look forward to watching this friendly rivalry continue next year.