Colchester Gladiators 32 Leicester Falcons 33
In a game that has been described as one of the best finals in years, the Colchester Gladiators failed in their attempt to bring a second title back to
In a see-saw battle that saw the lead change hands many times and the teams were never separated by more than seven points, the Gladiators had a chance to take the game into overtime when they scored a touchdown with just seven seconds remaining and lined up for the extra point to tie the game. However the kick struck the right upright and cannoned back into play to leave the Gladiators disappointed and left to reflect on a fantastic season but also what might have been.
The Gladiators won the toss and chose to defer their options to the second half, so the Falcons elected to receive the opening kick off in front of a loud and enthusiastic crowd.
The Falcons showed no signs of nerves as Mexican quarterback Arturo Sanchez lead his team down the field behind short passes and the strong running of Timi Dada. On fourth and 13 the Falcons elected to go for the first down and Dada took a screen pass 16 yards before being tackled by Phil Moreton. Sanchez opened the scoring, running in from 13 yards for the opening score of the game. Ben Longland kicked the extra point for an early 7-0 advantage.
The Gladiators responded immediately however in just three plays. After Leo Beckford and Alex Robinson were stopped for short gains, Rich Thomas swept left, broke some tackles and sprinted down the left sideline for the first long touchdown run of the game, from 65 yards out. Thomas himself slotted the point after to tie the scores at 7-7.
The Falcons retook the lead near the end of the first quarter when Dada burst through the line and outran the
The offensive explosion continued into the second quarter as the Gladiators fought back. Facing fourth and eighteen Dan Singer found Thomas to complete a 28 yard score, his second of the game. Thomas kicked the extra point to give the Gladiators their first lead of the day at 14-13.
Momentum was with the
The Falcons turned the ball over on downs after Mike Wareing knocked away a fourth down pass from Sanchez and moved to the
The Falcons moved to their hurry up offence as time was ticking down in the first half, but after reaching the
The Gladiators received the ball to begin the final 30 minutes of the season, with a slender seven point start, and after gaining a couple of first downs more good defence forced them to punt. But Dada took just one play to get his team back on level terms with a powerful 53 yard sprint to the end zone. Longland’s kick was good and the scores were tied at 20 apiece.
The Gladiators were next to score when Singer found Thomas for a 29 yard gain before Thomas collected another first down with a 15 yard run. Singer then threw to the back of the end zone where the ball was tipped before the alert Tommy Clarke caught the rebound for the go-ahead score. The extra point was again missed but the Gladiators were in front again by 26-20.
With their backs against the wall, the Falcons needed to respond, and respond they did. Williams caught two Sanchez passes and Dada ran for 13 as the final period began. Another Sanchez to Williams connection gained 16 yards taking the ball to the four, from where Dada powered his way over for the touchdown. Longland’s extra point edged the Falcons back in front by 27-26.
With just four minutes left on the clock, the Falcons delivered what appeared to be a knockout blow. On second and ten on his own 38, Rich Davis found an opening in the Gladiators’ defence and surged down the sideline for another long touchdown run and a 33-26 lead. The extra point failed after a bad snap, and with two personal foul penalties on the scoring play to be taken on the kick off, the Gladiators would get good field position and one final chance to get back in the game.
Starting on the Falcons’ 39, the Gladiators began their final drive. Matt Excell converted on fourth down with an 11 yard run and from twenty five yards out and under a minute to play, the Gladiators faced a long third down. With just 22 seconds remaining. Beckford took the ball and powered his way over the line to scenes of joy and excitement with the extra point attempt to tie the game and force overtime.
The usually reliable unit however could not convert the kick and the Falcons began their celebrations.
Coach Roberts was philosophical after the game, saying: “Obviously we're very disappointed with the result, to lose by one point is always going to be tough to take especially when offensively we scored the most points they have conceded all year. At times our blocking was exceptional and with Rich Thomas especially leading from the front early, they did us all proud. Dan Singer led the guys on the field well, and threw for two touchdowns.
”Defensively we struggled, we lost Phill Pearson before the game and then following an off the ball incident, middle linebacker Duncan Flack had to leave the game which really hurt us as a unit. Also early in the game, Christian Steward had to leave the field with a pulled calf and with the Falcons being much bigger and physically stronger we really took some punishment. In spells the defence did well, forcing them to drive the ball, made them slip up a few times and I was pleased with two fumble recoveries. However we let them off the hook and they converted too many third downs, which if you want to win big games we needed to be better with.
So from here we need to get our guys in the gym, recruit strongly again and get ready for Division One. We have to keep this in perspective; the loss is never easy to take but from now on it's about how we equip ourselves in Division One as come the new year, this season will count for nothing and there will be another chance to show why we're the best team in
Details regarding the Gladiators’ recruitment plans for 2010 will be on the club’s website at www.colchestergladiators.com and potential sponsors, players, coaches and volunteers can contact a member of the management committee at any time through the website.