Ipswich Cardinals 38 Norwich Devils 14
The Norwich Devils put up a strong challenge in their penultimate game, before capitulating in the final quarter, to leave them with one game left to try and rescue their season.
The Devils started brightly when, after stopping the Cardinals’ opening drive, scored on their first offensive play of the game, a spectacular 64 yard run from running back C.J. Sanderson around the left hand side. Sanderson then added a two point conversion, running to the right, to give the Devils an early eight point lead.
Things got even better for the Devils at the start of the second quarter when quarterback Jonny Steadman connected with receiver Doug Cornelius from 70 yards out for another big play. Stuart Utting's extra point kick was blocked to leave the Devils up by 14.
The Cardinals soon hit back following a good kick return, starting their next drive at the Norwich 36 yard line. Seven plays later, quarterback Dontorius Candis went in on a one yard sneak. Chuck Pope blocked the extra point attempt to keep the Devils ahead by eight.
Just before half time, Steadman was intercepted, giving the Cardinals possession deep in Devils’ territory, and Candis, having switched to running back, went in for a 19 yard score. A wayward snap on the extra point attempt meant the Devils still led at the half 14 - 12.
The second half started disastrously for the Devils when a fumble by Cornelius gave the Cardinals possession at the Devils six yard line. From there it took just two plays for the Cardinals to go in front for the first time and again it was Candis with a one yard run. Replacement quarterback Ben Salisbury then threw to Victor Williams for the 2 point conversion and Ipswich were 20 - 14 in front.
After being a very hard fought game for three quarters, the Devils threw the game away in the final period with a series of errors. Firstly they had a punt blocked, giving the Cardinals excellent field position at the Devils 34 yard line, from which it took just 4 plays for the score, a 14 yard run from Candis. Secondly a fumbled snap on their own 20 yard line gave the Cardinals the ball back, and Paul Borstal took it straight in for another score. Thirdly, a fumble on a punt was recovered on the Devils 10 yard line, and it was Candis yet again, taking it in for a 10 yard score. All three conversions were missed to leave the final score 38 - 14 in the Cardinals’ favour.
The Devils now have to win their final game at home to Peterborough Saxons to have any chance of avoiding the relegation place at the bottom of the conference. The game is a rescheduled match that has been provisionally arranged for Sunday 6th September, at the Hewitt School in Norwich.