Celtics Match Report
Published: April 1, 2010
Sunday 13th December 2009 is a date long awaited in the annuls of Hallam Warrior History. From the first competitive game against Leeds Celtics in 2003, Hallam have lost all four encounters by less than 13 points and have a four period overtime game that finished 6-0 in favour of Leeds against them. Leeds has always been the Hallam bogey team and they have managed to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory on more than one occasion. Leeds is known for their stingy defence and old fashioned power running game. This day however would belong to Hallam and a long squatted monkey has finally been removed from the Hallam back.
The game started in bright sunshine set against a cold crisp air. The Hallam offence had been warned prior to the game that ball security was the key to winning this game. If they protected the ball and prevented turnovers they would be in a good position to end the Celtic drought. Hallam won the toss and received the ball. Following a penalty and the kick off being replayed, Hallam started their opening drive on the 28 yard line.
The Warrior line began the game as they would eventually end it, in a battle for inches. The Leeds defensive line would cut block and tackle their opposite numbers in an attempt to keep the Warriors from gaining yardage. 11 plays and 58 yards and several minutes off the clock later, this plan had slowed the Warriors but had not stopped them. However some sloppy running did and a 4th and 3 failed leaving Hallam just shy of field goal range but had set the offensive tone for the game. It would now be the defence who would fall under scrutiny.
The Leeds offence opened up with a 12 yard run but that would prove to be a false dawn. The next play saw Matthew Marsden tackle the quarterback in the back field for a sack and a 7 yard loss, the next play saw Leeds recover their own fumble and then another tackle for no gain by Satnam Singh saw the Celtics punt the ball on 4th down straight out of bounds for 7 yards in an attempt to keep the ball away from David Saul but giving the Hallam offence the ball on the 37 yard line.
Coach Batty made an adjustment to the game plan putting Michael Wood at Quarterback and placing David Saul in as running back. Nine plays later Saul dropped under centre and completed an 8 yard play action pass to Whitson for the opening touchdown as the Leeds defence focused on the run. The extra point failed on a bungled snap leaving the score 6-0.
Following the kickoff Leeds again failed to move the ball going three and out off the back of Danny Williamson and Will Flinton tackles and a batted down pass. Leeds again chose to kick the 4th down punt out of bounds to the half way line. The game then moved into the 2nd quarter.
Hallam began the 2nd quarter driving the ball off the back of David Saul and Mike Whitson runs going 45 yards in 12 plays. The 13th play would see Mike Whitson fumble his 5 yard run into the end zone where it fell into the grateful hands of his pulling guard # 77 Bruce Robertson for the rarest of scores and a very happy offensive line. David Saul then ran in the 2 point attempt for a 14-0 lead.
Leeds started their opening drive following the kick off on their own 20 and again the Hallam defence came out firing forcing an interception on the fourth play which Danny Williamson took to the 15 yard line. David Saul then ran the 15yards on the first offensive play for a 20-0 lead that Hallam would hold onto on the back of some stout tackling and a sack from lineman Jacob Muncey, ending the half 20-0.
The opening of the second half was a stark contrast to the tone of the first half. Leeds finally found their running game and the Hallam defence looked like they had left there game in the dressing room at half time. Leeds capped off a 12 play 48 yard drive with a 12 yard pass completed for a touchdown. The 2 point conversion failed and the score was 20-6. Robust words were required on the sideline and the coaches called for increased effort and attitude for the remainder of the game, mindful that Leeds could claw their way back into the contest.
Neither team capitalised on their next possessions and the Hallam defence began to regain their hold on the game. Late in the 3rd quarter, Hallam began a drive on the 51 yard line. Darren Gayle had been kept quiet by Leeds up to this point. Taking the handoff 50 yards for another touchdown finally introduced him to the game continuing his good start to his rookie season. The extra point was again bungled during the snap and the Warriors led 26-6.
The 4th quarter began and the game turned into a war of attrition and field position. Neither side gave up much for the early part of the quarter and both defences stood up to their respective opposite number. Finally Hallam put the game to bed with 5 minutes left ending an 8 play 35 yard drive with a 15 yard David Saul touchdown run. Saul then completed the 2 point pass to Andrew Cheeseman to leave the score 34-6.
The Hallam defence again held the Leeds offence to a 3 and out and Hallam saw out the remainder of the game with solid runs. The final score of 34-6 saw Hallam beat Leeds for the first time. Hallam now sits on top of the Northern 2 conference 3-0 and will look to extend this record in the New Year. They will face a stern test in the New Year in their run to the conference title and into the national playoffs. They will also face the old enemy from across the city that with 2 defeats this season may only have pride to play for.
Notable stats for the day were;
- David Saul 22 rushes- 114 yards for 2 TD’s plus 1 pass for 8 yards and a TD and 7 tackles.
- Darren Gayle 9 rushes- 85 yards and 1 TD.
- Danny Williamson 7 rushes-39 yards plus 2 tackles and an interception
- Mathew Marsden 8 tackles and a sack
- Will Flinton 6 tackles
- Jacob Muncey 4 tackles and a sack
- Martin Steele 5 tackles.
Hallam totalled 334 offensive yards on the day.
Related posts:
- Lancaster Bombers Match Report
- York Match Report
- Staffs Match Report
- Manchester Tyrants Match Report
- Hull Sharks Match Report
Tagged with: Game, Match Report, Season
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