Kent Exiles 56-12 Norwich Devils
Kent Exiles travelled to Norwich and cruised
past the Devils in style to move to 4-1 on the season. The Devils are currently
bottom of BAFL 1 South, and the Exiles came out of the blocks fast, never
letting the Devils look as though they would get their first win of the season.
The first quarter saw the Exiles open up a 14-0,
Aaron Griffiths starting the game as he meant to continue, by finding Clive
Palumbo with an 18 yard pass for the score, Rich McHugh ran in the two point
conversion. Then on the next drive Harry Innis opened his scoring account for
2009 with a 19 yard catch from Griffiths.
The second quarter followed exactly the same
pattern, with another 14 points from the Exiles. Palumbo connecting with
Griffiths again, this time from 11 yards, and then Sean Starwind scored on a 19
yard grab from Griffiths. McHugh was good with both
points
after. And the Exiles led 28-0 at the half.
The second half started in the same vein, the
Exiles marched downfield with Stewart Muir finishing off the drive with a 3
yard run,
and McHugh again tacked on the extra
point. With the game out of reach the Exiles rotated their squad, and this allowed
the Devils to come back into it momentarily, firstly Joe Konieczny scrambled in
from 8 yards out, and then following a poor kick return the Exiles found
themselves deep in their own half. The Devils forced three consecutive sacks,
on the last of which quarterback Damian Marshall fumbled for Troy Scmidgall to
fall on the loose ball for a Norwich score.Holding their composure, the Exiles steadfastly put
paid to any hopes of a comeback, driving downfield for Marshall to find
Starwind from 30 yards out, and securing a 42-12 lead at the end of the third
quarter.
Marshall then found Innis for his second score from
8 yards out at the start of the fourth period, before a minor injury bought
Griffiths back onto the field as third string quarterback Andy McAdam was
unavailable for the game, and he connected with Palumbo with an 8
yard pass to finish the scoring. The remainder of the fourth
quarter saw the full depth of the Exiles squad get in on the action, with Kerry
Gray recording two sacks on his return from injury, and Colin Chislett
recording his first reception for a great 26 yard gain. Rich Knight then ran
out the clock with his first carries for the club.
The Exiles now face a tough week training before
one of the seasons most eagerly awaited games, as the London Cobras visit
Crockenhill for the first time. The winner will have possession of first place
in the division, and will firmly place themselves amongst the favourites for
the Championship in September. Kickoff follows the Exiles Youth vs. London Warriors
Youth at approximately 2.30pm. Entrance is just £1.50 and includes full colour
programme. Full details can be found on the Exiles website www.kentexiles.co.uk