Sharks triumph in local derby

Sunday saw the much heralded first match of the season between local rivals the Cornish Sharks and the Plymouth Admirals.   BBC Spotlight had covered the build up to the game featuring players from both teams and their preparations for the derby match.   Atlantic FM broadcast details of the game too and the modest crowd basked in glorious sunshine which beamed down on the newly installed “T” posts, immaculately painted and mowed, dedicated American Football pitch at Newquay Sports Centre.  

There was the smell of rivalry in the air as “new boys” the Cornish Sharks, who only entered the league last year with a team consisting of 75% rookies, beat the Plymouth Admirals (who have been around for over 20 years) three times last year.   So the Admirals were determined to hit back hard and prove that 2007 was just a fluke.   It wasn’t to be their day however, as the Cornish Sharks offense, despite making many unforced errors and conceding 150 yards in penalties, pushed ahead to a 20-0 win with their defense, which had been second best in the division in the UK last year, conceding no points to the frustrated Admirals.

Life on the front line.

Early in the game the Sharks first score was a Paul Mallen touchdown, set up by a play action pass from quarterback Richard Atkinson with the field goal extra point scored by kicker Kiel Purell.   Next saw an exciting 76 yard touchdown run by Andy Dixon, a rugby player with the Newquay Hornets, bringing the score at half time to 13-0.   The third quarter was defensive dominated with the Sharks offense hitting the red zone 4-5 times only to be pulled back by penalties that were mainly rookie mistakes.   Then the fourth quarter saw the Sharks step up another gear and unfortunately a Reggie Jackson touchdown was disallowed when a fan inadvertently wandered into the end zone.   The Sharks finished off however, with another touchdown by David Krierhn that was set up with a pass by quarterback Nathan Beaman and the extra point field goal again put away by Kiel Purell.

Head Coach Brian Smallworth said, “We knew this would be a tough game as it was a matter of pride on both sides but I am delighted my boys stepped up and met the challenge.   We did our homework – we never underestimate the opposition, even a team we have previously beaten and our hard work paid off.”
  It was a great family day out with the Cornish Sharks providing much glamour and razzmatazz.   They had music booming out to keep the crowd entertained during half time and time outs with a small troupe of Cheerleaders dancing during half time, led out by their mascot ‘horse and rider stunt team combination’ Rhiannon Smallworth and her horse Bryndir Tiger ‘Tom’.   After the match there was a team barbeque enjoyed by all.