|
Norwich Devils 20 Tamworth Phoenix 12
Norwich Devils youth took a depleted squad to Tamworth for
a rematch of their opening day fixture and came up against an improved and
determined Phoenix team.
Tamworth took an early 6-0 lead from a touchdown pass
following a fumble recovery deep inside Devils territory. Mistakes and
penalties hindered the Devils offense throughout the first half making progress
tough, but the Devils defense held firm at the end of the first half stopping
Tamworth a yard short of increasing their lead as time expired.
After making some half time adjustments the players
responded with a much improved second half performance. Quarterback Sam Webb
levelled the scores in the third quarter on a short run, with the extra
point attempt was blocked.
However it was Tamworth who regained the initiative in the
fourth quarter with an impressive touchdown pass to take a 12-6 lead. The
Devils had to dig deep and Ash Mullins levelled the scores catching a long
touchdown pass from Webb, but again the extra point was blocked. With the
scores tied at 12-12 the Devils drove deep inside Phoenix territory aided by
the impressive running of rookie running back Aaron Roberts. With little more
than a minute to go James Tovell caught a touchdown pass from Webb to make
the score 18-12 in the Devils favour. Roberts then ran in the 2 point
conversion to increase the lead to 8 points. Although the Phoenix got the
ball back, the Devils defense held firm with Sam Webb making an interception to
seal a hard fought victory.