Manchester Tyrants Match Report

Manchester arrived at The Graham Soley Sports ground at Bawtry Rd hoping to revive their inaugural season. Rookie teams had not faired well against the well drilled Hallam offence so far this year and none had managed to score a single point. The fact was Hallam was averaging over 300 yards of offence and had conceded just 12 points the whole season. The Omens were not good for Manchester who brought along with them Dave Booker, a former Warrior, who had started his masters at Manchester that year and had used his previous knowledge gleaned from the current Hallam coaching set-up to help Manchester in their first year.

The day itself would see further records fall in a season that seems to have one set every week. An offensive, defensive and special team’s touchdown. The game would also see the Hallam defence score three times as well as a rare kick off returned for a touchdown.

The game started with Manchester on offence on their own 20 following the kick off from Andrew Cheeseman. He sets a Hallam record for 5 touch backs in a single game. His kicking this year has developed to a high level and he would go on to record a further record later that day.

The Hallam defence took the game to Manchester from the very first series. Martin Steele making a tackle in the backfield on the second play followed by a Chris Webber sack forcing Manchester to punt. Hallam recovered the ball to the 26 yard line and the offence set about its business. 8 plays later of the back of some steady Mike Whitson and Darren Gayle runs Hallam ran into the endzone on a Whitson 4 yard run. Cheeseman making the 1 point conversion. The next Manchester Series lasted four plays thanks to a tackle from Chris Webber plus an interception by Martin Steele. Hallam was unable to move the ball the next series despite some excellent running from Danny Pyle. Manchester though could not slow down the Hallam pass rush and two plays into their next series Anthony ‘Eli’ Marsden intercepted another hurried pass. This time the Hallam offence would click and two plays later with a completed 30 yard pass to Mike Whitson. Andrew Cheeseman was good with the extra point. 14-0.

The second quarter started with Manchester on their 20 following another Cheeseman touchback. Hallam held them to 5 yards with tackles from Satnam Singh forcing Manchester to punt the ball after three attempts. A good punt put Hallam deep into their own territory. Hallam again failed to capitalise on some good Pyle running and were a yard short on a 4th down conversion leaving Manchester on their own 40 yard line. 4 plays later Manchester went for it at midfield on an ambitious pass which was picked off at his own 40 yard line and ran back for the 60 yard TD. Cheeseman was unsuccessful this time on his conversion 20-0. Following the kick off Manchester found themselves on the 23 yard line and finally managed to connect with a long pass over the middle when their wide receiver pulled of a wonderful diving catch. This only annoyed the Hallam D line who pressured the Quarter Back the next play forcing him to throw the ball into an area. It was picked off again and returned 50 yards for another TD 26-0. Manchester by now were on their heels and following the kick off found Hallam in no better mood. The very first play saw Mathew ‘Vera’ Marsden force and recover the fumble giving the Hallam offence the ball late in the quarter. Uncharacteristic lethargic offensive line and back play led to Hallam again failing on their fourth down deep in the Manchester half but again the Hallam defence came to the show and stopped Manchester in their tracks forcing a punt. With only seconds remaining a long 40 yard fade pass to Craig driver who was stopped with a last ditch effort from scoring as time expired.

The half time team talk was very much aimed at the offence who had thus far failed to show any domination of their opponents. They were taken to task about their effort and focus and effort were required second half. The defence were rightly congratulated but reminded a job half done is no job at all.

The second half saw Manchester kick the ball to the Hallam 30 where it was caught. You may have thought that one of the instructions from the Manchester sideline to the kicking team was to avoid a long return at all cost. They didn’t and he took the ball 70 yards back for the score off the back of some excellent special teams blocking. Cheeseman made the extra point for a 33-0 lead. The next kick-off saw Manchester with the ball on their 28 yard line. The very first play saw Satnam Singh deliver a huge hit on the running back and the ball popped into the air. The ball was grabbed in mid air and ran it back 30 yards for the score and a 39-0 lead. Following the kick-off Manchester had the ball on their 30. A forced fumble on the Manchester running back was recovered by Jacob ‘Crackers’ Muncey. Mike Wood now took over Quarterback duties and drove the ball down the field off the back of some solid running and a 15 yard pass to Mike Whitson. At the 2 yard line the question was asked who could cock this drive up… Who would? Mike Wood. The diminutive scrambler decided to give Manchester a break being from that neck of the woods and fumbled the ball as he was going over the line. Manchester recovered it and took over on the 5 yard line. Three plays later they were punting the ball away. Showing rare faith in Wood, the part time Mothercare model, Hallam finally started to get their offence in the game. Richard Griffiths introduced himself to proceedings with a 30 yard run for a TD. Cheeseman making the extra point for a 46-0 score line. Following another kick-off Hallam went to work on defence again. Muncey sacking the Quarterback before Hallam forced another fumble and Will Flinton recovering the scraps. The next play saw Darren Gayle finally peel a 15yard run off for a score and the Cheeseman extra point stretched the score to 53-0.

This led to the fourth quarter, Hallam by now had blooded all their rookies and back ups and would see the half out playing only rookies, second and third stringers. Andrew Cheeseman went under centre and began throwing the ball everywhere… but not into the hands of receivers. The defence managed to continue to hold Manchester in check and late in the game Darren Gayle ran another 20 yarder for a TD. Cheeseman again successful for the sixth time of asking and setting a new Hallam record for most extra points made in a game. The final score was 60-0.’

Hallam move on to their next match still full of confidence.

Notable performers on the day:

• Sat Singh 5 tackles and forced
• Jacob Muncey 5 tackles 2 Sacks
• Danny Pyle 46 rushing yards
• Darren Gayle 44 rushing yards
• Richard Griffith 43 rushing yards.
• Mike Whitson 38 rushing yards 45 reception yards and a TD (30 yard)
• Andrew Cheeseman 6 of 9 extra points
• On the day Hallam had 445 yards of offence including the kick return rushing TD

Related posts:

1. York Match Report
2. Celtics Match Report
3. Staffs Match Report
4. Sheffield Sabres Match Report
5. Hallam Warriors @ Manchester Tyrants

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