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Watford Cheetahs 0 South Wales Warriors 38
The South Wales Warriors continued their winning start to
the season with a 38 – 0 win over the Watford Cheetahs.
The game started well for the Warriors with Tom Wilson’s
booming opening kick off being mishandled by the Cheetahs, resulting in a drive
starting at their own four yard line. After two deep stops by the defense,
tackle Chris Bird capitalised on the great field position by tackling the
Cheetahs’ ball carrier inside the endzone for a safety giving the Warriors an
early 2-0 lead.
There was no further
scoring in the first quarter; the Warriors offense moving the ball well but
being unable to punch the ball into the endzone and the Warriors defense, lead
by Bird, Nic Yeubrey and Sandy Deacon totally dominating the Cheetahs’ offense.
The second quarter saw the Warriors move the ball well but
still unable to find their way into the endzone.
Midway through the quarter Tom Wilson added a 20 yard field goal
to make the score 5-0. Bird thought he had his second safety of the game
shortly afterwards, but an offside penalty against Darryl Morton nullified the
two points.
With halftime approaching it looked like the Warriors
would take a narrow lead into the intermission but a sideline interception and
45 yard return by Greg Braney saw the Warriors offense start a drive inside the
Cheetahs’ 15 yard line with 1 minute to go. Buoyed by the turnover, the
Warriors’ offense suddenly found its killer punch with Martin Trantor bouncing an
off tackle play to the outside and scoring from 10 yards out. Wilson’s point
after made the score 12-0 at the half.
Quarterback Chris Taylor.
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Hiromu Shimizu got the ball rolling with a fine kick off
return and when veteran running back Owen Roberts rumbled 30 yards on the
ensuing play from scrimmage, behind excellent blocking from linemen Williams,
Kiley, Hughes, Mellett and Price, the Warriors were quickly knocking on the
door of another score. Unfortunately several miscues left the Warriors facing
third and long from the 20. Martin Trantor was tackled for a short gain on
third down but a personal foul against the Cheetahs’ for a late hit on Trantor
gave the Warriors a first down.
On
second down quarterback Chris Taylor, ran an option play and although initially
it looked like he would be tackled short of the endzone he managed to twist and
bull his way in for the score. Wilson’s point after attempt was no good leaving
the score at 18-0.
Linebacker Roberts had a good day on special teams.
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The Cheetahs’ next possessions were brought to an abrupt
halt with interceptions by Warren Coombes and Craig Wilkinson. More excellent
running by the Warriors running back committee placed the ball at the Cheetahs’
10 yard line. This time the fresh legs of Deji Alli proved too powerful for the
Cheetahs’ defense as he turned the corner from 10 yards out to score. Wilson’s
point after kick was again good making the score 32-0.
The third quarter also saw offensive lineman Tom Kiley
playing iron man football and providing some big hits from the middle
linebacker position.
In the fourth quarter a spirited effort by the Cheetahs’
offense marked by some sensational catches by their receiving corps, threatened
to spoil the Warriors hopes of a shutout, but the Warriors’ defense held firm
and gave the ball back to the offense at their 20 yard line. Next came arguably
the best play of the day. Taylor dropped back to pass and threw a 40 yard
bullet to Tom Wilson who made the catch and raced untouched to the endzone for
a stunning 80 yard touchdown. This made the final score 38-0 to the Warriors.
After the game coach Mackay praised his players for
picking up the tempo of their game in the second half and turning in a great
all round team effort.
The game MVPs
were Tom Wilson on special teams, Sandy Deacon on defense, Dai Price for the
linemen and Chris Taylor on offense.
The Warriors now hit the road for four games, the first
encounter being against old foes the Plymouth Admirals on the 8th
June.