REVOLUTION LOSE ‘BORDER WAR’

Shropshire Revolution, the county's only American Football team lost the cross border clash on Sunday 10 May, going down 14-12 to county neighbours Staffordshire Surge.

As predicted the match was a very closely fought contest which was only settled in the final few minutes of the match. 

Staffordshire opening the scoring on their first drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Richard Large to former Revolution player Steve Ward. Ward himself kicked the extra point to give the Surge a 7-0 lead.

Revolution immediately struck back when rookie Running Back Russ Lingwood, returned the ensuing kick-off 70-yards for a touchdown.  Andy Plant’s extra point attempt failed and Shropshire remained a point behind their cross border rivals.

For the next two quarters the potent offences of both teams were stiffed by high quality tackling and a litany of penalty calls. Shropshire’s only real chance to gain the lead was a 40-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter which fell wide. The deadlock was finally broken when, in the fourth quarter, Surge scored their second touchdown with a 16-yard pass from Large to Tight End Chris Ward.  Steve Ward again converted the extra point for a 14 – 6 lead. 

Once again the home team responded with a big play as Revolution Quarterback James Horn threw a 52-yard pass to Andy Plant to bring Shropshire to within two points. Revolution went for the two point conversion to even the score but after three penalties Horn’s two point conversion pass fell incomplete.

With time running out Shropshire battled desperately to move he ball and overcome the Surge defence. In the last two minutes of the game however, Chris Ward made a miraculous one handed catch giving the Surge offence a first down, allowing them to run out the clock and secure the win.

Commenting after the game, Revolution Head Coach Andy McAdam said: “The Surge had clearly prepared well for us and as we predicted, our two ‘old boys’ Steve Ward and Lee Trethaway were constant threats.  Also, Richard Large had a great game at Quarterback, showing all his knowledge and experience of the game to lead his team.

“There were however positives for us to take from the game.  We had some great performances from some of the newer guys; James Horn, Russ Lingwood and rookie Linebacker Dave Ralphs. We now need to regroup for our match this weekend against Milton Keynes and get our season back on track.”

Shropshire remain at their temporary home, Harper Adams College for their next game on Sunday, 17 May when they host the Milton Keynes Pathfinders.  Kick off is at 2.30pm and entry is free.

PHOTOS HERE!