Hornets kickoff with winning ways

Hull got the ball first, and went three and out on their opening drive as the Revolutions strong defensive line set out its stall by putting lots of pressure early on a confident Hull offensive unit who featured both US import players Willie Sheird and Drew Coplin.   Once Shropshire got the ball they opened out early with a passing attack which appeared to catch Hull sleeping, however after a couple of first downs, the Hull defensive unit drew a line in the sand and said no more and forced the Revolution to punt.   This was the story of the first half as each team battled away to gain a toe hold, as soon as it appeared one team was starting to piece together a drive that could threaten to breach the endzone the opposing defense pulled every stop out and made sure that the drive faltered.   This was until the last two minutes of the first half, when led by Willie Sheird the Hull Hornets ground out a 57 yard drive from just outside their own red zone down to the Shropshire 24 yard line and with 3 seconds left to go and on third down the Hornets elected to take the 3 points on offer and kick a field goal.   This was however controversial as the Hornets first attempt was a fumbled snap however the officials had not blown the ball live and so the Hornets escaped from the half with a 3-0 lead as the second attempt kicked by Martin “Doc” Pepper was good.

The second half saw the Revolution come out with more fire in their belly but this was met by Hulls grim determination to hold on to their slender lead and the defensive battle from the first half was resumed with even more gusto.   The game continued to be a midfield stalemate with both teams struggling for that elusive offensive foothold when mid way through the third stuck on their own 4 yard line, quarterback Willie Sheird threw a quick slant to receiver Drew Coplin who pitched it off to fellow receiver and speedster Dave Pickering who raced 90 yards away from the Revolution defense and into the endzone for the game’s only touchdown.   The point after attempt, kicked by Martin “Doc” Pepper was good leaving the score at 10-0

The drama was not over yet, as on the next offensive drive from Hull after some steady progression Hull’s quarterback tried to force a pass to Dave Pickering and was picked off by the Shropshire safety, who after a number of good blocks scampered 38 yards, before a touchdown saving tackle was made by Hull’s full back Ben Grant.   The Shropshire offense again took the field this time with good position to start with, however Hulls stand out defense did its job and after very few yards forced the Rev’s to kick the ball away.  

Hull knew that it was time to slow things down and run as much of the clock off; which is what it did, however Shropshire still had one last chance to break Hull hearts as approaching the end of the game, Sheird threw his second interception of the day giving the Revolution one final chance, but Hull’s stingy defense remained that way and ensured that the shop remained closed.

The game was delayed for about 20 minutes in the first quarter due to an injury to dale Shilvock who was taken to hospital with a broken leg; the Hull Hornets family wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.

Hull’s next game is this Sunday away to the Lincolnshire Bombers, at Boston Town FC, if you would like details of how to get to this ground please feel free to contact the Hornets through www.hullhornets.com/contact.

Photos courtesy of Hull Hornets.