Conference champions Nottingham Caesars
welcomed the Tamworth Phoenix to the Harvey Hadden Sports Complex for a semi
final play off game, at stake the chance to contest for the BAFL 2 National title. With changeable weather conditions of sunshine and
showers, and with the pitch holding up well from the unrelenting rain through
the week. A large crowd in place there was an air of nervous anticipation from
both sidelines as the game kicked off at 2.30.
Running back Simon Dale gaining vital yards.
The Caesars winning the toss and elected to receive the ball the
offense took to the field and went looking for early
points. Using their tried and tested powerful running game they soon had the
Phoenix defense moving backwards and were camped inside the red zone. Using up
the first three plays trying and failing to break the line the Caesars called
in the field goal unit to ensure all the pressure turned into points. They duly
obliged as kicker Carl Hardman split the post for 3 points. It was then the
turn of the Phoenix offense to
Chris O'Dea intercepts a Phoenix pass.
test the Caesars defense, despite mounting some
powerful plays and gaining some meaningful yards the Phoenix failed to trouble
the scorer. They had however pushed the Caesars deep into their half and for
once the Caesars offense failed to move the ball and on a fourth down it was
the down to the Caesars punt team to clear the lines. Having worked like
clockwork all season it was unfortunately in this game that an error saw the ball
fumbled in the Caesars endzone and a safety awarded to the Phoenix. So with the
score 3-2 to the Caesars at the end of the quarter the situation only increased
the tension on both sides.
Phoenix foil another Caesars attack.
The second proved to be the decisive quarter of the game as the Phoenix scored
two spectacular touchdowns, that saw them take a lead that they were not to
relinquish. The first score came as Phoenix quarter back John Pimberton
launched a long pass to wide receiver Ricky Livingstone who grabbed the ball,
there then ensued a foot race over 30/40 yards with Pimberton out sprinting the
Caesars cover to race into the endzone. Anton McCalla added the two extra
points and the scoreboard moved to 10-3 in favour of the Phoenix. Not long
after that Tamworth repeated the trick, this time on the left flank, as again Pemberton
launched a bomb of a pass which was taken by Will Kinghorn who again outpaced
the Caesars cover to score the second touchdown. This time no extra points were
added so with the score at 16-3 the half came to an end.
A shocked Nottingham outfit used the half time break to discuss tactics and
came out with all guns blazing. This new found fire saw the Caesars defense
stop the Phoenix from gaining any meaningful yards and, forced a number of
fumbles that saw the ball turned over to the Caesars. With the Caesars now on
the counter attack it was down to quarterback Mike Hibbert to lead his players
on to score. This he did as he found wide receiver Dervan Alleyne with a short
pass, who then proceeded to sprint clear of the Phoenix defense, to score a
touchdown. With kicker Hardman adding the extra point the scoreboard read 16-10
to the Phoenix at the end of the quarter.
Linebacker Shaun Chambers halts an attack.
The game was now set up for a grandstand finish the crowd were not to be
disappointed. With the Caesars defense giving up very few yards and the ball
being handed to the offense they laid siege to the Phoenix goal line. On what
seemed numerous occasions the Caesars offense came within striking distance of
the Phoenix goal line. But a stout Phoenix defense held firm. For the neutral
observer it was a fast hard fought quarter with lots of action. For those with
a vested interest the tension became unbearable as the clocked ticked down.
With the Caesars camped on the Phoenix 10 yard line in the final moments of the
game, and trying every trick in the play book they finally ran out of time as
the whistle went for the end of the game.
The Caesars would like to wish the Tamworth Phoenix all
the best of luck in the BAFL2 final as they take on the London Cobras. As for
the Caesars a short break will be followed by a return to training as they
prepare for their next assault on the title.
