Report by Chris Wallis - Bury
A complete performance from the Bury Saints sealed the clubs biggest victory to date as they secured a 47-12 victory over Bristol Apache in last Sunday’s Division 2 Rose Bowl final. A five touchdown performance by the offence was matched by a mean Defensive display, forcing five turnovers from their Somerset opponents, but it was WR Axl Rodwell who put the stamp on proceedings with a dazzling 80yard Kickoff return to get the Special Teams unit on the score sheet.
The Saints Offence went straight to work after the kick off as strong running by RB Derek White and a pass completion from QB Fred Boyle to WR Brandon Faison set up RB Jake Swisher for the opening score on a 25yd Run. Randell Sorensen kicked the extra point for an early 7-0 lead.
Bristol failed to score on the next drive and punted the ball back to Bury. But disaster struck as a mistake, while attempting to punt, gifted Bristol the ball at the Saints Goal Line. Three plays later the Apache were in the end zone themselves with a 2yd pass. The extra point attempt failed to leave the score 7-6.
Bury responded immediately as FS Troy Cockerill returned the ensuing kickoff all the way to the Bristol 14yd line before QB Boyle found RB Swisher with an 11yd scoring pass. The kick was missed but the Saints were ahead 13-6.
Tackles by FS Michael Galindo and LB Chris Smith forced Bristol to punt again on their next drive. Another hook up between QB Boyle and WR Faison was followed by a Swisher run to the Apache 14yd line from where RB Chris May sprinted home for the Saints third score of the game. QB Boyle added the extra points for 21-6 lead at the end of the 1st quarter.
Bristol opened the 2nd Quarter with an impressive drive and moved the ball to the Saints 8yd line and just as they looked certain to score, FS Donterio McIntosh intercepted a pass in the Bury end zone and returned it to the Apache 16yd line.
Bury failed to capitalize and once again Bristol drove down the field to threaten the Saints Goal. But it was the Saints Defence, led by Team captain, LB Jesse Carlos, turn to stand firm stopping the Apache on 4th Down at their own 15yd line.
Both Defence’s continued to dominate and FS McIntosh made his second interception of the game, returning it to the half way line to end another promising Bristol drive. With the clock running down in the half QB Boyle found RB May with a 30yd pass to the Apache 10yd line. But two pass attempts into the end zone failed and time expired with the Saints 21-6 ahead.
The second half exploded into action with two quick scores.
Bristol started the half with the ball at their 31yd line. A mix of short passes and strong running moved the ball to the Saints 22yd line from where they sprinted home for a quick fire score to trail 21-12. Yet again Bury’s response was immediate as Rodwell fielded a short kickoff, broke up the middle and out ran the remaining defenders for an 80yd score. The kick was missed but the Saints lead was returned to 15 points.
The Apache continued to battle bravely but fumbles, recovered by DL Dan Vicsik and LB Smith, ended their next two offensive series. The latter set up RB Swisher for his third touchdown of the game on a 41yd run. Swisher bulled home for the extra points to increase the Saints lead to 35-12. LB Justin Gulley recovered a third Bristol fumble to end the 3rd quarter.
With the Saints now in control, a 29yd pass from QB Boyle to WR Faison extended the Bury lead to 41-12 before RB White powered free for 62yd touchdown run to complete the scoring and 47-12 historic victory.
After receiving the Rose Bowl Trophy from the British American Football Association’s Vice Chairman, Martin Cockerill, Saints Head Coach, Chris Wallis said, “We did it!! What a great way to end an incredible season and stay unbeaten.
The Offence made some big plays but there is no doubt that our Defence and Special Teams unit gave us a strong foundation from which to go forward and win today. We felt coming into the game that we could get a lot of success returning kicks and that proved to be correct. The Defence swarmed to the ball and made big plays when we needed them.”
Saints Running Back Jake Swisher, who was awarded the game’s Most Valuable Player for his punishing running and three touchdown performance, said, “I want to thank everyone. We all played tough football today and I wouldn't have received this award without all of my team mates. I'm thankful to be part of this amazing team.”
Coach Wallis continued by summing up the season, “We’ve worked so hard this season. We always respected our opponents and prepared for them equally regardless of their record. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m humbled to have been part of it. We’ll take a short break and start working towards the 2016 season tomorrow!”
No comments:
Post a Comment