Dominic Fox fights for extra yards
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Norwich kicked off to start the game, but the kicker who was possibly worried about the return skills of Dominic Fox and Martin Fry (Fox won the home game versus Norwich in the last seconds with a return for a touchdown), kicked the ball straight into touch.
The Cats offence moved the ball from runs by Stephen Morrison but came up short on 3rd down. A running into the punter penalty gave the Cats a first down though and a perfect 35 yard pass from Nick Tilbury to Matt Smith gave the Cats an early lead. Brian Jelley kicked the extra point making the scoreline 7–0.
The Cats kicked off and soon had Norwich in a punting situation, but an alert play by the punter saw him run to the outside getting a first down. The only seemed to anger the Cats defence, and a huge sack on second down by rookie safety Glen Paveley forced Norwich into a long yardage situation where Nate Ashby intercepted the quarterbacks pass, giving the ball back to the offence.
Stephen Morrison heading for end zone
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The Cats offence struggled with penalties with two long gains negated by holding calls, and were forced to punt again. Simon Lewis the punter managed to launch the ball deep into the Devils territory and Paul Donaghy tackled the returner for no gain.
In the second quarter both offences struggled against determined defence, and the teams went into half time with just 7 points the difference.
In the third quarter the Cats started to improve, with the defence not allowing any yardage led by Samson McCoy who was playing like a man possessed.
The offence was also clicking and winning the battle of field position. Led by an offensive line that has improved week by week.
Just into the fourth quarter the pressure finally paid off as Stephen Morrison burst into the end zone for a score. The kick by Brian Jelley was wide left.
A second interception from Nate Ashby gave the offence the ball back almost straight away, and Mike Fosnaugh ran in for a touchdown. Mark Blackwell caught a pass from Nick Tilbury to add 2 points making the score 21-0.
This victory means that the Cats now the play-offs with the quarter final game versus Bristol Aztecs. In ’92 the Cats reached the quarter final, in ’93 they reached the semi final, and this year the goal is to reach and win the final.
Anyone wishing to play, help or support the Cambridgeshire Cats, please contact Head Coach Simon Hatcher on 01799 503165 – 07791396655 – simon.hatcher@ntlworld.com