Aztecs go 5-3!

Posted in: BAFL Premier, Bristol Aztecs    By Pete Jones Aug 26, 2009 - 1:48:38 PM

Sussex Thunder 14 Bristol Aztecs 20

 

On Sunday, the Aztecs travelled to Crawley to take on the Sussex Thunder.  Promoted from division one last year, the Thunder have had a tough baptism of fire, not winning a single game all season, but anchored by a tough defence have performed above expectations, and given every other Premiership team a good game.

This game was no different.  With the Aztecs resting several players prior to their Semi final in two weeks with National Champions the Coventry Cassidy Jets, and the Sussex Thunder taking the field with nothing to lose, the Aztecs knew the game would be close.

The first Thunder drive was quickly stifled by the young Aztec D, and the home side were forced to punt.  A spilled return however allowed the Thunder to recover the ball in the Aztec redzone, and put together a short drive culminating in a touchdown run. Tom Proctor blocked the kick, leaving the Thunder with a 6-0 lead. 

 

Sussex immediately made their intentions clear opting for an onside kick, recovered by Andy Roberts.   Both teams then exchanged punts before Dom Westwood hit Kev Shelbourn, and then ran for 17 yards himself, setting up a first and 10 on the seven yard line.   On the next play, Matt Barrett took the ball in from the seven for the score.  Nick Smith converted to give the Aztecs a 7-6 lead as the first quarter expired.

The Aztec defence was in an unforgiving mood, with Tom Proctor, Tom Johnson and Sean Hopkins all causing problems for the Sussex offence, despite several effective runs from Sussex QB Eber Kington.  Sussex were once again forced to punt, giving the Aztecs another opportunity to put some points up.  Good running from Jake Heath, and Sam Stalbow took the Aztecs deep into Thunder territory, from where Dom Westwood hit Bristol Barracuda WR Andy Roberts in stride for his first reception in adult football. A wiley Sussex defender however saw that the young receiver had not secured the ball and struck the ball with his helmet, forcing a fumble which the defence recovered.  The Aztec D easily defended the long field, and the offence was soon back out on the field.

 

UWE Bristol Bullets running back Sam Stalbow once again showed his ability running off right tackle for a 35 yard touchdown run, again converted by Nick Smith, to give the visiting Aztecs a 14-6 lead going into the half.

In the second half Nick Proctor intercepted a Sussex pass early, and Ted Baynham took over from Dom Westwood at QB, connecting with Nick Smith before another good run from Stalbow set up a 30 yard TD strike from Baynham to Kev Shelbourn.  The extra point was missed, giving the Aztecs a 20-6 lead.

 

The next Sussex drive was driven back by an 18 yard sack by Anthony Lartey, and a tackle for loss by Sean Hopkins.  The resultant Aztec drive was similarly unsuccessful leaving Smith to punt from inside the Aztec endzone.  With good field position, Sussex were able to mount their most successful drive of the day, eventually scoring on a one yard run.  The two point conversion was good, to leave Sussex chasing the game at 14-20 going into the 4th.

 

The Aztec defence remained in good form however, keeping Sussex scoreless in the final quarter.  The Aztec offence ran the clock out in the fourth, but also completed another pass to Kev Shelbourn, giving him a total of four for 62 on the day, and taking him up to #1 all time in the Aztecs record books for receiving yards.

Mark Hopkins was pleased with the win saying, " Sussex have proven themselves deserving of their promotion to the Premiership, and gave us a test today. We were fortunate enough to be able to use the whole depth of our squad, in what was a close game, which helps us moving forward".

 

Leaders for the Aztecs on the day were Sam Stalbow, impressing again with eight carries for 70 yards, Kev Shelbourne with four receptions for 62 yards and a TD.  On defence, Sean Hopkins and Tom Johnson led the way with seven tackles each, closely followed by Colin Elliott and Tom Proctor with six apiece.  Proctor also added a sack and a blocked kick.

After a third place finish in the BAFL Premier division, the Aztecs now prepare for their semi final away at the Coventry Cassidy Jets on Sunday 6th September, where the team will see the return of tightends Stuart Toogood and Tom Brook, running back Mike Adams, and Jon Wyse.  If you are interested in becoming a player, coach, sponsor, or helper for the Aztecs, please visit www.aztecs.co.uk or email bristolaztecs@hotmail.com.

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