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News
South Wales Warriors 0 Oxford Saints 7
The Oxford Saints made it two wins from two Sunday, beating the South Wales Warriors in another defensive war of attrition. For the second straight week the Saints came out on top in a bruising, 'beat em up' style ball game.
Playing their first game at their new home of Abingdon Rugby Club, the Saints were determined to christen it with a victory.
The first half was a dour affair with both teams struggling to get things going. The Saints offence looked the sharper of the two, moving the ball on a number of occasions only to see the drives end each time as a result of silly penalties.
The one offensive highlight of the 1st half being a 38 yard bomb from Oxford QB Jay Taylor to WR Sam Armstrong, putting the Saints deep into Welsh territory. The drive ended after one of many holding penalties on the Saints moved them backwards.
The Saints 'Pain Gang' defence kept the Warriors at bay with their formidable run defence & key interceptions from USA star safety Adam Cartwright & promising young Brit Johnny Dover.
The 2nd half saw the game spark into life. The Saints got the ball first but were unable to move it & a 3 and out forced them to punt. The Warriors took over just inside their own half & a couple of good runs from Martin Tranter took them into Saints territory.
The next play saw Warriors Tony Skipper jink his way past a couple of Saints defenders and race away for a big gain before being dragged down inside the Oxford 5 yard line by Marco Pinder. The Oxford defence was in no mood to relinquish a score & big tackles from Chris Ellis & Dean Bryan on consecutive plays stuffed the attempts of the Warriors to run it into the end zone.
On 3rd & goal the Warriors tried their luck in the air. QB Lance Godfrey dropped back to pass & under pressure from Lee 'The Hitman' Hutton sent the ball high into the rain filled sky & high over his WR’s head in the Saints end zone. To the bewilderment of the large Oxford crowd the uncatchable pass was ruled as pass interference against Oxford defender Ben Tolley. The penalty gave the Warriors 1st and goal at the Oxford 2 yard line and another chance to break the stalemate.
The Warriors again turned to the run and this time RB Skipper burst through a hole in the Saints defence and into the end zone. This time however the was a penalty against Wales, Warriors Graeme Cribbes was called for holding & the touchdown was disallowed.
Another run saw the Warriors RB smacked in the backfield by the Saints D who were now warming to the task. An incomplete pass on the next play saw the Warriors with 3rd & goal again, this time from 15 yards out. Godfrey again looked to go to the air & dropped back to pass. This time the Saints would not let the ball get anywhere near their end zone. Saints LB Andrew Day came marauding through the line on a blitz and sacked Godfrey for a huge loss.The Warriors were forced to go for a Field Goal on 4th down which was missed to the right.
The game entered the 4th quarter with the teams exchanging possession numerous times. With 7 minutes left in the game, Oxford finally broke the deadlock. With the ball on their own 30 yard line the Saints were driving. QB Taylor dropped back & hauled a touch perfect pass to WR Steve Belcher. Belcher made the grab, powered through one tackler & then took off to the races. Belcher’s blistering pace saw him turn on the afterburners & smoke the Warriors defence like a rocket down the sidelines for a sizzling 70 yard touchdown. Belcher then managed to catch his breath before slotting home the PAT to finally put Oxford in the driving seat 7 – 0.
Johnny Dover claimed his 2nd interception of the day to end the next Warriors drive. The teams again exchanged possessions.
The Warriors had one last chance to tie the score, driving into Saints territory with 2 minutes left in the game. The Saints D held firm & the Warriors were forced to go for it on 4th & 6.
With all else failing, Warriors QB Godfrey decided to run the ball himself. A jinking run saw him with the first down marker in sight when LB Day scythed him down a yard short to effectively end the game.
Saints winning a close one 7 – 0.
Oxfords next game is away on the 23rd May at the home of the Nottingham Caesers.
Published: 03-05-2010 by Andrew Day