London Blitz 11 London
Warriors 14
Both teams were keen to get their season off to a
perfect start with a win and for a while; it looked like our boys might just
beat the 2007 national champions.
The game got off to a disastrous start for our
kicking unit when the opening kick-off was returned 78 yard by Nicholas
Underwood to give the Warriors the lead. The Blitz soon recovered and Nathaniel
Wilson stopped the run on the two point conversion attempt.
A couple of exchanged punts later, the Blitz found
themselves in good field position but their drive stalled after two first downs
and James Armah nailed a 30 yard field goal on the last play of the quarter to
reduce the deficit to three points.
The second quarter was a defensive battle. The
Warrior’s managed a few first downs but both drives stalled. The first of these
ended when on fourth down, the Warrior’s went for a long pass into the end zone
but rookie Jaz Cable tipped the pass just as it was about to go into the hands
of the receiver. The Warrior’s really hurt themselves in this quarter by giving
away seven penalties; six in one drive including having what would have been a
touchdown run called back for holding.
The second half started well for the Blitz when
Nathanial Wilson returned the short kick-off 21 yards. Seven plays later with
Nathanial Wilson back to punt, the Warriors helped keep the drive alive with an
offside penalty. Two plays later, Jermaine Henry galloped home from 35 yards
out to give the Blitz the lead shortly before the end of the third quarter.
James Armah kicked the conversion to give the Blitz a five point lead.
In the final quarter, the Warrior’s defense dug
deep and managed to stop the Blitz offense whilst on their first offensive
drive of the quarter, they put together three consecutive first downs; 10 yard
run and a 24 yard pass followed by Nicholas Underwood getting his second
touchdown of the game; this time with an 18 yard reception. Mark Finney caught
the conversion pass to return the lead to the Warrior’s at 11-14.