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Merseyside Nighthawks,
BAFL 2
By Stephen Parry
Jun 3, 2008 - 11:10:36 AM
Merseyside Nighthawks
25 Chester Romans 0
The Merseyside Nighthawks made the short trip to local
rivals, Chester Romans who were trying to kick-start their season after a
disappointing loss in their opening game.
Player of the Week nominee Ben Kamara.
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The Merseyside outfit started out aggressively, opting for
an onside kick on the opening kick-off, however an alert Romans side were able
to recover the ball. Starting in good field position, the Romans were able to
make a quick first down before the Nighthawks swarming defense were able to
force a turnover on downs. The Nighthawks offense took the field and made an
impact on their first play as running back Ben Kamara took the ball downfield
for a spectacular 75 yard touchdown. The 2 point attempt failed leaving the
score at 6-0. The Nighthawks started to tighten up against the Chester running
attack, forcing the Romans to the air. As the first quarter came to a close,
safety James Pinnington tipped the ball right into the hands of cornerback Dave
Eldridge who claimed his second interception in as many games.
Tim Parr surveys the field.
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The Chester defense was also unwavering and forced the
Nighthawks to punt, with punter Dave Almond trapping the Romans inside their
own 20. It was here where defensive end Sean Mooney sacked the quarterback
forcing the fumble, which was duly scooped up by fellow end Matthew Parker who
rumbled 10 yards into the endzone to double the Nighthawks’ lead. The point
after attempt was successful and the score was 13-0. The scoring for the half
was not finished either, as after Chester running back James Tootle had looked
to make a good gain down the left side, however, strong pursuit from defensive
tackle Mark ‘Ace’ Brunson saw him force the fumble giving the Nighthawks good
field position again. The offensive duly accepted and extended their lead
further when quarterback Tim Parr found receiver Andy Dyson in the endzone for
a 32 yard touchdown. Chester looked to move the ball quickly and get on the
scoreboard before half time. A quick completion from Jason Wilcox to his tight
end saw them move the chains, but with time running out, they were forced to go
deep, and a long pass was hauled in by free safety Dave Almond to end the first
half.
Chester started the second half with renewed purpose as
their first play from scrimmage earned them 35 yards with a half back screen.
The Romans continued their drive into the Nighthawks’ red zone for the first
time in the game, but this was the wake up call the defense needed, as they
were able to turn the ball over on downs. The Merseyside offense also started
to move the ball with completions to tight ends Rory Mansfield and Jason
Elliott before the Chester defense stifled their progress. The slippery surface
proved troublesome as the punter slipped when fielding the snap giving the
Romans the ball on the 25 yard line. Aided by a penalty, they were able to move
inside the 10 and were in sight of scoring, but were foiled when alert
linebacker Mark Cairns recovered a fumble. The Nighthawks offense were able to
move the ball on the ground, with the power running of Barry Murphy punctuated
by Mike Banks speed, however, the Romans defense was stubborn and did not allow
them to trouble the scoreboard as the third quarter ended scoreless.
The fourth quarter saw the Nighthawks attempting to kill
the clock while ahead sticking mainly to their ground attack. Against a tiring
Romans defense, it was Kamara who benefited again, breaking into the endzone
from 21 yards out for his second score of the game. The extra point attempt
stuck the post leaving the final score at 25-0.
Overall, the coaches were pleased with the performance
commenting, “The defense were particularly strong, and despite Chester
threatening a couple of times, never looked under pressure. The offense did not
move the ball as consistently as they would have liked, but showed that they
are capable of causing problems for any defense.” Co-ordinator Simon James was
pleased to see the ball being spread around saying, “With 7 different ball
carriers, and 5 different receivers catching passes on today, we clearly have
enough variety to pick apart even the strongest defenses in our division. When
we find our rhythm, we will be very difficult to stop.”
The Nighthawks next game is their home opener against a
strong looking Glasgow Tigers side who currently stand at 2-1. The last 2 games
between the teams have been settled by less than a score each time, so expect a
close and exciting game on 8th June.
Photos courtesy of Merseyside Nighthawks.
