Sunday, 18th April
Vs Lancashire Wolverine

WINNING START FOR REVOLUTION AT NEW HOME

Shropshire Revolution made a winning start to their 2010 season with a hard fought 15-10 victory over Lancashire Wolverines at their new home, Oakengates Leisure Centre on Sunday, 18 April.

Revolution started the match with high hopes, a new look squad with several high quality signings cheered on by a crowd of over 200 at their impressive new venue.

And the home team got off to the best start as they scored first.  Setting a pattern for the game, which saw Shropshire force five turnovers, the Revolution defence quickly picked off a Lancashire pass. Taking the initiative, the offence drove the ball down the field before hulking Running Back Andy Barnett touched down from three yards out.  With the point after attempt failed, Revolution led 6-0.

The teams traded field goals during the second quarter to move the scoreboard to 9-3 as both offences struggled to move the ball.  Resolute defending from both teams saw Shropshire pay the price, losing starting Quarterback Warren Thomas with broken ribs.  Returning veteran Rob McLean stepped into the fray for Revolution.

Ill-discipline on the part of Shropshire’s defence saw them give away 40 crucial yards in penalties during one drive in the third quarter.  Wolverines were happy to exploit the mistakes as Quarterback David Mead scored on a one yard run.  With the point after attempt good, Lancashire held the narrowest of leads, 10-9.  Trailing in the forth quarter and will time running out, the Revolution defence stepped up kept Lancashire penned deep in their own territory.  Forced to punt, Lancashire turned the ball over to the home side at mid field. 

With time running out and one last attempt left to seize the game Revolution moved the ball down the field before new signing, Fullback Graham Fordham barged into the Lancashire endzone behind strong blocking from Shropshire’s offensive line. Attempting to put the game out of reach, Shropshire went for a two point conversion, but failed to add to their tally, leaving the scoreboard at 15-10 and Lancashire with a lifeline and a minute left in the game.  Finally, Jonathan ‘Scouse’ Moore caught a wayward Wolverines pass to dash the visitor’s last hopes.

Commenting on the first victory at their new home, and a winning start to his coaching career, Revolution Head Coach Dave Reid said: “It wasn’t a pretty victory and both teams made a lot of mistakes.  Fortunately we made fewer mistakes and were able to capitalise on the turnovers our defence caused.  Our offensive performance was a bit stuttering, but I’m confident we will improve and a win, however ugly, is a win.”

Shropshire now have two weeks to prepare for their second games of the season, a first ever trip north of the border to play Glasgow Tigers on Sunday, 9 May.

 

Images courtesy of MD Images.