Gateshead Senators 7
The Pirates chance of an unbeaten season came crashing to a halt at the final hurdle, at the hands of old rivals Gateshead.
Having won their first eight games, the Pirates began to falter last weekend against Dundee where they recorded a draw, however with key players returning this weekend, it was hoped that the Pirates could get back on track and finish with a flourish. Sadly it was not to be as Scotland’s top team turned in a dismal offensive performance and limped to a one point loss.
The Pirates started with the ball and throughout their first few drives, moved the ball well, only stalling through an array of turnovers. Defensively, the Pirates dealt with the Senators running threat reasonably well, but Gateshead were managing to move the ball through the air with unexpected ease. Nevertheless, a cagey first half ended scoreless.
The game finally kicked into gear in the second half when a Pirates running back made a big hit on the Senators kick returner, before the visitors' defence forced the home team to punt the ball away. The ensuing drive saw the Pirates march down the field, capped with a one yard touchdown run from running back Blake Kyle. The extra point was blocked, leaving the Pirates 6-0 up.
The score remained this way until the fourth quarter when a combination of strong running from the Senators and penalties against the visitors allowed the home team to within five yards of the Pirates end zone, from where Senators running back Rob Lochrie powered in for the score. Senators kicker Darren Mould then added the extra point to give the Senators a 7-6 lead with five minutes remaining in the game.
With time running out, the Pirates looked to their receivers to move the ball but quarterback Ryan Hunter threw an interception to turn the ball over.
A strong defensive stand got the ball back in the Pirates hands, and Hunter ran in a touchdown from over 60 yards out, but the score was negated for an infraction on the visitors. With time running out, the Pirates moved to a no-huddle formation, ultimately resulting in yet another interception, allowing the Senators to kneel out the remaining seconds and take their place in the playoffs.
With the Pirates having already secured their place, the two sides now meet again on Sunday 30th August in the British quarter-final, this time at Hamilton Rugby Club, the site of a 50-3 Pirates victory earlier this year. The Scots will be hoping to regain that type of form to secure a semi-final place.
To find more about the team or to get involved, visit www.piratesfootball.co.uk or email info@piratesfootball.co.uk. Find the team on facebook at www.facebook.com/piratesfootball.