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Manchester Titans 27 Lancashire Wolverines 34
The 2008 British American Football League got underway on
Sunday for Blackburn based outfit the Lancashire Wolverines, with a visit from
local rivals the Manchester Titans. A crowd of around 200 had assembled at
Blackburn RUFC to watch this fixture, which was a repeat of the 2007 season
opener in which the Titans defeated the Wolverines 14-26. The Wolverines had
earlier seen their Youth team beat the Bolton Bulldogs 20-0 and were determined
to avenge last year’s defeat and continue the success of their youth team.
Bowles looking for running room
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The Wolverines first offensive
drive saw a determined effort from the Titans defense force the home side to
punt. On a day that saw four Wolverine touchdowns called back for penalties,
the Wolverines got a lucky break when the Manchester returner fumbled the punt
to return the ball to the Wolverines. This time the Wolverines offense made no
mistake in driving the ball down field before Daniel Bowles ran the ball in
from 16 yards to level the scores at 6-6. A quick reaction by birthday boy
Jonathon Peachey on a fumbled point after snap saw the quarterback find
tight-end Nick Russell alone in the end zone for a successful conversion to put
the Wolverines in the lead 8-6.
Chris Littler
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A forced fumble and recovery by
linebacker Lee McAllister gave the Wolverines the ball in Titan territory and
the Wolverine offense marched downfield marshalled by quarterback Paul Fallon.
It was Fallon himself who took the ball in from 3 yards. Peachey slotted over
the conversion kick to give the Wolverines an 8-point advantage, 21-13.
The Wolverines almost extended
their lead before half-time when linebacker Damien Szabo intercepted a Keogh
pass 30 yards out. The Titans defense stood firm however to give the Titans an
opportunity to level the score before half time. Rookie cornerback Danny Morton
had other ideas and snared the Wolverines second interception of the day to end
the half. Wolverines 21-13 Titans.
Bowles on his way to one of his 2 touchdowns
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The ensuing kick-off was
fumbled by the Wolverines returner, to gift the ball to the Titans at the 8
yard line. The Titans scored on the first play when Keogh again found Waldecker
open in the end zone. The 2 point after was successful to leave the score 34-27
in favour of the Wolverines but with the game finely in the balance.
Manchester elected to kick deep
on the following kick-off and the Wolverines offense drove downfield and ran
out the clock to ensure the Titans weren’t given another scoring opportunity.
After the game an upbeat Paul
Horsburgh, Head Coach of the Wolverines said: “Today we saw what 5 months hard
work and playing as a team can achieve. We dominated both sides of the field
and should be proud of our team performance. There were a few mental mistakes
that we need to work on but this year for a change we didn’t get at each other;
instead we helped each other and looked out for our teammates. From here we
need to iron out the creases and prepare ourselves for a tough game against
Edinburgh.”
Both Lancashire senior and
youth sides now have a week off to rest before they face the visit of Edinburgh
Wolves and Sheffield Tomahawks respectively. Those games will kick off at
11.30am with the ‘Colts’ looking to go 3-0 before the seniors take on a tough
Wolves side.
More information, including how
to get involved and match pictures can be found online at www.wolverineden.com.
Game MVPs:
Offense:
Daniel Bowles
3 receptions for 74 yards,
8 carries for 93 yards
2 touchdowns
Defense:
Danny Morton (Rookie playing first
ever game)
3 solo tackles,
2 assisted tackles,
1 interception,
3 kick-offs for 112 yards
Overall:
Damien Szabo
5 solo tackles
7 assisted tackles,
1 interception
1 kick return for 6 yards
Box Score
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1st Quarter
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2nd Quarter
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3rd Quarter
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4th Quarter
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FINAL
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Lancashire Wolverines
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8
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13
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6
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7
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34
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Manchester Titans
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6
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7
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0
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14
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27
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Photos courtesy Nigel Payne and Pete Summers