Cambrigeshire Cats 35 – 0 Maidstone Pumas
The Cambridgeshire Cats got off to the perfect start in their quest for the BAFL 2 title this week with an emphatic win over the Pumas. A squad of thirty two suited up, all but four of having previously played for the Cats last season. Coach Bice’s offense utilised a 3-pronged running attack of Fox, Kibbles and Kelly, whom together gained 219 rushing yards and all five of the Cats touchdowns. Meanwhile Coach Grey’s mean defense showed no charity on the holiday weekend, allowing the Pumas just 12 total yards of offense. Cat’s quarterback Mike Peters was unfortunate to come away from the game without a passing touchdown, with dropped catches and penalties keeping his name off the score-sheet, his four completions from 11 attempts and 97 passing yards downplaying his performance.
The first quarter started with the Pumas backed up inside their own 10 from the opening kick-off, and they struggled to advance the ball with some early offensive nerves. The Pumas gained some respite when a punt from their endzone bounced was inadvertently muffed by a Cats player and subsequently recovered by the Pumas, however Maidstone were unable to advance the ball and turned possession over to The Cats. Going straight for the jugular, quarterback Peters was inches from connecting with wide receiver Gurkinder Mann in the endzone on the first play from scrimmage. The running attack then powered the ball up field, with Rob Kibbles breaking for a 37 yard score. Ill-discipline threatened the Cats on Maidstone’s next drive, as a string of defensive penalties gave up field position.
The second quarter continued with this trend, however the Cats defense remained solid between the whistles forcing the Pumas to attempt a field goal, which was blocked by defensive standout Nate Ashby. The first play of the Cats possession saw Dom Fox break for an 80 yard touchdown scoring run. The point after attempt was blocked leaving the score at 13-0. Again the Pumas were unable to progress the ball, leaving a short field for the Cats. Kibbles took full advantage capping the drive off with an 11 yard scoring run putting The Cats 20-0 up at the half.
The third quarter was when the Cats put the game to beyond doubt, with the power running of the first half opening room for the passing game. Drives were capped off by a 10 yard touchdown run for Kibbles hat trick score, and a 3 yard score from Matt Kelly in his first game in the backfield. Quick thinking from holder Martin Brown transformed a wayward snap into a 2 point conversion as he gathered the ball and rushed into the corner of the endzone to complete the days scoring.
The fourth quarter was again dominated by a strong Cats defense thwarting the Pumas progress, however misplaced aggression contributed heavily to the 139 yards conceded to penalties against the Cats. The final stats showed the Cats out gained the Pumas 12 first downs to 6 as well as 295 yards to 12.
Further congratulations should go to Rob Kibble, who ended the day with 90 yards from 11 carries and 3touchdowns, crowning him BAFL player of week 1 on the ‘Road to Britbowl XXI’.
The Cats would like to extend their thanks to a Maidstone side whose small travelling squad gave the Cats a good hard-fought game played in the right spirit. The Cats now have 3 weeks to prepare for the visit of the Norwich Devils, and will look to better the draw at home from last season.
All photographs courtesy of Cambridgeshie Cats.