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Glasgow Tigers 6 Merseyside Nighthawks 8
The Merseyside Nighthawks took on the Glasgow Tigers at
Birkenhead Park expecting a tight battle, as two of the meanest defenses
in the division came head to head. This proved to be the case as the home
side held on for an 8-6 victory and improve their record to 2-1.
Merseyside started the brighter, forcing a quick Tigers three and out before
running back Barry Murphy ripped off a 22 yard gain on Merseyside's play from
scrimmage and the Nighthawks were quick to capitalise, with quarterback
Tim Parr finding rookie tight end Jason Elliott, who hauled in the pass to
give the Hawks a 6-0 lead. Murphy then barged his way into the endzone, for the
two point conversion, to stretch the lead to 8-0.
The Nighthawks looking to capitalise on their good start, as they forced more
three and outs, but incompletions and flags stalled their progress.
The Tigers then came to life, as Dick raced 38 yards to the Merseyside 12. He
was dropped for a loss on the next play, but a face cage penalty gave Glasgow
even better field position. Despite the precarious position, Merseyside thought
they'd rescued the situation when Dick fumbled, but he managed to recover it
himself and quarterback Jack scored on the sneak to make it 8-6.
An injury forced Glasgow to go their backup quarterback Matt McCusker and
although the Hawks struck first, with linebacker Steve Parry and S. Allinson
sacking McCusker on consecutive plays, the Glasgow line then summoned up one
final effort, buying enough time for McCusker to find Iain Dick for 15 yards on
third down, but on fourth and 13 with the game on the line, Dick was unable to
repeat his effort, McCusker's ball slipping through his hands along with the
last chance of victory, as Merseyside held on for the win.
Photos courtesy of Merseyside Nighthawks.