Matt Casey kicks extra point
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Chiltern were div 2 finalists in 2004 and had so far beaten 2004 division 1a champions Southern Sundevils, and had a close loss to Cats arch rivals Bristol. This was going to be a tough game, especially as Cambridgeshire have been struggling with numbers this year.
The Cats lost the coin toss and Chiltern elected to kick off giving the Cats the ball first. The Cats struggled to move the ball and Simon Lewis had to punt the ball.
Chiltern then tried to move the ball, but the Cats defence led by top tackler Samson McCoy did not allow any yardage, and when Chiltern tried to pass, Nate Ashby the Cats young cornerback batted the ball down with the confidence of a veteran.
Both offences failed to score in the first quarter, and field position was even. The first breakthrough came in the 2nd quarter when Cats receiver Kinder Mann stumbled and a Cheetahs defender stepped in front and intercepted a Kelvin Johnson pass.
Quarterback Kelvin Johnson avoids rush
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Johnston managed to catch the defender before he scored, but the Cats defence could not hold so close to the goal line and Andy Crowther threw a perfect pass to Frank Mayo for 6 points.
Martin Homer kicked the extra point, giving the Cheetahs a 7-point lead.
The Cats offence moved the ball well on the last drive with strong running from Samson McCoy but ran out of time in the first half.
In the third quarter the Cats defence came out in dominating form, with Phil Fussel sacking the quarterback, and Nate Ashby getting an interception.
But the stars of this quarter were the Cats offence with Eddie Gray running behind a offensive line that battled like warriors without the luxury of many substitutions.
Eddie Gray avoids tackler
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Eddie used his speed to elude defenders and then Samson McCoy used his power to run over them. It proved too much for Chiltern and Samson finally powered in for 6 points. The point after was missed by Matt Casey so the Cheetahs still lead 7 – 6.
Chilterns running game, led by former Cat Andy Cochrane started to make good ground and the Cats small squad started to tire in the heat, but a big 4th down stand returned the ball back to the Cats offence.
At the start of the 4th Quarter quarterback Kelvin Johnson threw a huge pass to Nate Ashby (now playing wide receiver) who made a juggling catch and then ran into the end zone for a 55 yard touchdown.
The point after was kicked by Matt Casey giving the Cats the lead 13 – 7.
The Cheetahs had time for one more drive and they seemed unstoppable making big runs and a perfect 3rd down catch by the Cheetahs scorer Frank Mayo. With the ball inside the Cats 10 yard line and time running out the game looked to be slipping away but linebacker Samson McCoy stepped up and forced a fumble which Chaka Sellers recovered.
The Cats offence ran out the clock using Eddie Gray who finished with 149 yards of 32 carries and Samson McCoy who finished with 54 yards on 13 carries.
Both teams retired to Sponsor Mickey Flynns pool hall for refreshments, and the Cats look forward to the next game versus Bristol Aztecs at Coldhams Common, Cambridge on 12th June. Kick off 2.30.
Bristol have become Cambridgeshires most competitive opposition over the last few years, twice knocking the Cats out in play off games.
Anyone wishing to help the Cambridgeshire Cats should contact Head Coach Rick Bice or Defensive co-ordinator Simon Hatcher on enquiry@cambridgeshirecats.com or tel 01799 503165
We are looking for help in all aspects from players and coaches, to back room staff and publicity officers.