Nighthawks clinch conference title

Posted in: Merseyside Nighthawks, BAFL 2    By A. W. Esome Aug 20, 2008 - 3:04:29 PM

  Merseyside Nighthawks 40 Lancashire Wolverines 28

 

The Merseyside Nighthawks sealed the BAFL 2 North title and home field advantage in the first round of the play offs with a win over fellow title contenders the Lancashire Wolverines.

The Nighthawks got off to a nervy start when on the very first play from scrimmage the hand off was fumbled and recovered by the Wolverine defense giving them excellent field position. The Nighthawks defense responded in kind though as two plays later, veteran corner back John ‘Doc’ Roberts picked off a Jon Peachey pass and returned it 87 yards for the touchdown. The 2 point conversion was unsuccessful. With the Wolverines’ offense taking the field again, the Nighthawks defense was still in unforgiving mood, forcing a quick three and out, punctuated by linebacker

Dean Kay on his way to his first touchdown.

Jon Allison blocking the punt giving the offense a short field to work with. ‘Hawks quarterback Tim Parr found receiver Rory Mansfield in the open who took it to the 5 yard line, where rookie running back Dean Kay extended the Nighthawks lead with his maiden touchdown. Andy Dyson caught the conversion to give the Nighthawks a 14-0 advantage. Lancashire had no intention of giving up though, and hit back quickly, driving down the field with good gains from running back Chris Littler. Eventually it was Danny Bowles who found himself in the endzone from 5 yards out. The point after attempt was missed and the first quarter ended 14-6 to the Merseyside team.

Lancashire cornerback Danny Morton opened the second period with a diving interception to put paid to another promising Nighthawks drive. Pinned back in their own half though, the offense struggled, and a fumble in the backfield was recovered by defensive end Sean Mooney and returned 18 yards for the score. The Nighthawks were looking to step up the pressure on the Wolverines, and after another Lancashire drive stalled, the offense took to the field. Good gains on the ground by Barry Murphy and Mike Banks kept the chains moving, and it was Banks who got the score when he looked wrapped up short of the line, good hustle from offensive lineman Steve Matthews saw him break into the endzone and with the 2 point conversion successful, take a 28-6 lead. Lancashire looked to hit back before half time to reduce the deficit, and did so when receiver Neil Sullivan caught a 5 yard pass. The conversion attempt was again unsuccessful, and the teams went into the break with the score 28-12 in favour of Merseyside.

Lancashire started the second half fired up and although they moved the ball, they were unable to add any points as free safety James McEvoy picked off a pass just short of the endzone. Merseyside were also able to move the ball, as they marched all the way to the Lancashire red zone, but here the defense stiffened and they came away empty handed. Lancashire started to drive again, and finally broke the third quarter scoring duck when Danny Bowles caught a pass in double coverage in the endzone. Greg Adam added the 2 point conversion as the Wolverines pulled the score back to 28-20. The Nighthawks offense knew they had to step up their game and duly obliged, a long and clock chewing drive saw the Nighthawks in the endzone again, but the Barry Murphy touchdown was called back for a holding penalty. With the change of ends saw a change of attack, with Tim Parr finding receiver Jason Elliott in the corner of the endzone for 6 points. Far from conceding defeat, Lancashire hit straight back with offensive standout Danny Bowles finding a gap up front and then out sprinting the secondary for a 63 yard touchdown. The 2 points were added leaving the score at 34-28 in what was turning out to be a shootout.

Mooney celebrates touchdown with team mates.

The Nighthawks took to the field again and thanks to yet another great offensive line performance, were able to keep both the chains and the clock moving. Parr again connected with Elliott, the play looked dead just short of the endzone until fellow receiver Rory Mansfield was able to block two would be tacklers clearing the path for another score. With less than two minutes left, it was going to be difficult for the Wolverines, and forced to go deep, they were intercepted by safety Gaz Kay, which looked to seal the game. The drama was not over however, as a fumble was recovered by the Wolverines inside the Nighthawks 20. The Nighthawks defense responded in kind though forcing another fumble which was fittingly recovered by defensive stand out Sean Mooney, ending with the score 40-28.

Celebration time for Nighthawks.

The Nighthawks were in a buoyant mood after the game, claiming their first division title in 16 years, a feat that probably seemed impossible when 0-10 just 3 seasons ago. Head coach Charlie Holland said, “It wasn’t our best performance on either side of the ball today, and these are the mistakes we need to iron out before the play offs. But it’s always good to get a win against a strong side like Lancashire, especially in game as important as this.” 

 

General Manager Sue Clark added. 'It’s a proud moment for everyone at the Nighthawks. We've come a long way from three seasons ago, all the hard work and commitment from the team on and off the field has begun to payoff for us.'

The Nighthawks look forward to travelling up to Glasgow in their regular season finale against the Tigers. The Nighthawks know this will be no easy game having scraped an 8-6 win in the corresponding home fixture, and will be looking to carry their momentum into the play off game the following week Sunday 31st August at Birkenhead Park Rugby Club, where they will face Tamworth Phoenix. Kickoff 2.30pm.

Images courtesy of Merseyside Nighthawks

 

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