London Cobras 8
East Kilbride Pirates 0
After a fantastic season, the East Kilbride Pirates fell at the final hurdle when they were narrowly defeated by the London Cobras in the BAFL Division One final.
The Scots had their chances, particularly during a strong first half, but failed to capitalise on these and ultimately paid the price in the second half when Cobras running back Devar Gayle broke free on a 48 yard touchdown run.
The game started with the two teams trading punts, with the Pirates looking most likely to score in the early exchanges as receiver Jamie McLaughlin took a catch to the Cobras 3 yard line, but a pass from quarterback Ryan Hunter was intercepted in the endzone by Cobras’ defender Ariel Malfondo. The Londoners were once again forced to punt and after several more fruitless possessions for each team, including a couple of deep passes which just evaded Pirates’ receivers in the end zone, half time arrived with the score locked at 0-0.
The second half began with a huge run from Pirates quarterback Hunter, but the Scots couldn’t punch the ball into the endzone. The Cobras took over, pinned deep in their own territory and were forced to punt the ball away, but the Pirates failed to capitalise on good field possession, when a field goal attempt was thwarted by a fumbled snap which the Cobras recovered. The Cobras were forced to opt for a punt which Pirates returner Scott Findlay took back to his own 25 yard line, but the Pirates struggled to move the ball and the Cobras’ defence raised their game, containing the Pirates normally potent attack.
With the Cobras still struggling to move the ball consistently, it took a stroke of magic from Gayle to break the deadlock. Following his blocks, the speedy back broke free down the sideline and sprinted to the endzone for the only touchdown of the match. The Cobras opted for the two point conversion which failed, leaving the score at 6-0.
On their next possession, the Pirates were penalised, forcing them back towards their own goal line and when they opted to punt, a low snap meant that Punter Mark Murphy needed to drop to one knee to recover the ball in his own end zone, awarding the Cobras a safety and an 8-0 lead.
The Pirates kicked off after the safety to the Cobras thirty two yard line and again held the Londoners to a punt, but on the following Pirates possession, quarterback Hunter came under pressure from the Cobras’ defence and was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury. In came backup QB, receiver Craig Towler, who made a couple of good scrambling plays but was also knocked out of the game when he received a concussion after a big hit from a Cobras defender. The ball was turned back over to the Cobras who were also forced to punt once again, giving the Pirates one last chance with John Sutherland under centre.
After a tough season, the Pirates did themselves proud and although they came up short, there is a great deal of promise for the future as they remain a young squad, with a large number of talented players. Scotland’s number one team is already preparing for the 2010 season and will be holding rookie tryout days in November and December. If you think you have what it takes to help take the Pirates to the top of the British game, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at info@piratesfootball.co.uk.