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University of York Centurions 0-14 Lancaster University Bombers
York Centurions American Football team suffered a close run and hard to swallow defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Lancaster.
In a Roses preview, York’s defence was as solid as ever but one or two errors on special teams and an offence that is still struggling for rhythm gave a fairly mediocre Lancaster side a vital win by two touchdowns to none. The Centurions are improving game by game, but a change in results is yet to be seen to match this. The Bombers will certainly be the happier side having kept their unbeaten record as they move to 5-0.
Lancaster was without their star players of the previous term who had returned to America, but the team remained the favourites as they came into the game unbeaten. The difference in records did not show in the early stages, with York’s defence cutting out its propensity to concede early on in games. Lancaster showed plenty of ambition to pass and the visitors scored on a pass due to an error by the York defensive backs. However, Tom Hamilton and Ben Sheldon both made second half interceptions and the Bombers’ quarterback generally struggled to connect with his receivers.
Throughout the first half York attempted to run the ball despite a depleted running back corps. Harris Shauib fought hard as ever for yards, and even quarterback Josh Holt managed to gain some ground by scrambling on rollouts. But the major offensive gains for the home side came on wide receiver reverses and screen passes; Tom Lee, Chris Paroussis and Alex Nock all ensured that the Centurions threatened as much as the Bombers early on.
The real credit for keeping the game tight must go to the York defence. Steve Braid exemplified the hard hitting and uncompromising nature of the unit, making many tackles and forcing numerous mistakes through what can only be described as fear. Pete Ludlow, York’s man of the match, played havoc with the Lancaster offensive line and broke up several plays in the backfield. Likewise Thomas Binns was a massive presence in the middle of the field.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the second quarter after two lapses in concentration by the Centurions when punting. Firstly they conceded possession back to Lancaster when receiving a punt, and then had their own punt blocked soon after which gave the visitors barely 10 yards to the end zone. Lancaster took full advantage after some goal line heroics from York, and then managed a two point conversion to rub salt into the wound.
In the third quarter, only 8-0 down, York found themselves deep into Lancaster territory. Alex Nock sprung a run play for a touchdown only for it to be disallowed for a somewhat harsh penalty call. Their morale shattered, York barely threatened again as catches and heads went down. Once Lancaster achieved their second score, the game was effectively over.
Whilst defensive captain Chris Button was rightly proud of his unit’s performance, offensive coach Will Claringbold was frustrated with the lack of success (and luck) on his side of the ball. The Centurions will hope for a change in fortunes when they travel to Liverpool this Sunday.
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