The
Redditch Arrows were unable to overcome their own mistakes on Sunday
against the Yorkshire Rams, as they committed six turnovers in miserable
conditions in Leeds, and fell to a 13-7 defeat. Whilst the team were
disappointed with losing their first game of the season, several individuals
put in performances to suggest that the team will be able to build on
last season's successes.
After
Redditch's first possession ended in a short punt, the Rams were able to get
the all important first score on their first offensive play, with a 38-yard
pass down the left sideline catching the Arrows vaunted defense unaware.
With a successful extra point kick the home side lead 7-0, and before
the Arrows were able to settle into their first game of the season, the
turnover bug struck with running back Dave Mills spilling the ball and giving
the Rams excellent field position. Fortunately this time the Redditch
defense was not in such generous mood, and the Rams were unsuccessful on a 43
yard field goal attempt.
It wasn't
until the second quarter that Arrows quarterback Richard Wilde managed to get
the offense going as the rain steadily got heavier, resulting in turnovers by
both teams as the ball became increasingly difficult to hang on to.
Cornerback Barry Winters and defensive end James Chattoe helping the Arrows
cause with a first half interception and fumble recovery respectively.
In the
second held, another fumble recover by Chattoe set the Arrows up in excellent
field position, resulting in workhorse running back Dave Mills, who ended the
day with 27 carries for 111 yards, ripping through the middle of the Rams
defense for a 24 yard touchdown, with kicker John Riddell adding the extra
point to draw the teams level at 7 apiece. To their credit, Yorkshire
took this as impetus to put together an excellent drive of their own, and after
a 29 yard scramble by the Rams quarterback a 7 yard run off right tackle
restored the home lead. Defensive end Ian Looms got high though and
blocked the extra point attempt to leave the score 13-7.
The final
quarter saw both teams struggle to get any momentum with turnovers and
defensive effort thwarting any chance of further scores. For the Arrows
defensive ends James Chattoe (5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble
recoveries) Noel Fischer (10 tackles and a sack) and linebacker Jim Mortimer
(12 tackles) stood out. The Arrows now prepare to return to Yorkshire
next week to face the South Yorkshire Mustangs.