Blackhawks turn Predators
into Prey !!!!!!!!!!!!

Clyde Valley Blackhawks 41 ~ 24 Sheffield Predators

Report and Pics C/O Clyde Valley Blackhawks

Sheffield made the long trip north on Sunday but returned south still looking for their first win of the season.  

Predator’s John Gilmartin tried his best to kick start the team when he returned the opening kickoff to the 48 yard line but Blackhawks’ defence refused to allow them to establish their game.

Clyde Valley’s offence settled quickly and on their opening drive Philip McCabe topped off a long drive with a 16 yard burst for the TD. Tam Chapman booted over the extra point to give the home side a 7 – 0 lead.

The Predators’ special teams showed determination by coming straight back at the Blackhawks when Jeremy May gathered the kick and scampered up the sidelines only to be stopped 3 yards out. Thomas Moxon took the handoff and barrelled over for the 6.

Clyde Valley’s Tam Chapman burst through the line and blocked the kick attempt. Both defences then took hold of the game allowing neither offensive to progress however it was the Blackhawks defence the broke the stalemate when Tam Chapman intercepted a hurried pass returning it for the TD.

A high snap broke up the extra point try. Sheffield refused to allow the Blackhawks the lead for long and pulled to within one when QB Dean Whittingslow pitched the ball to Adam Zyski who then lobbed the ball endzone bound to the waiting hands of William Rouse.

The bobbled snap on the extra point was pounced on by the Blackhawks.

The stingey Predators defence held Clyde Valley to a field goal attempt at the beginning of the second quarter but the kick sailed wide right.

Robert Lund and James Cameron sacked the Blackhawks QB on their next possession and Matthew Marsden gave the visitors something to cheer when he intercepted a pass in the endzone. Further cheering was heard when 4 plays later William Rouse gathered in a pass and sprinted 65 yards for the go ahead score.

Although the extra 2 points looked good it was called back for a penalty and the retry fell short.  

Michael Jenkins ended Clyde Valley’s next play when he intercepted the ball but a fumble was soon recovered by Blackhawk’s Tam Chapman and game MVP Darran Sharp looked as if he would make the visitors pay for the error when he burst upfield with his eyes set on the endzone only to be knocked out of bounds on the one yard line by Matthew Marsden.

Davie Orr broke through the line to restore the lead to the Blackhawks and with Tam Chapman slotting over the extra point bringing the score at halftime CVB 20 ~ 18 SP.

In the third quarter an interception by Clyde Valley’s Colin Mooney injected energy into the team and after some power running, QB James Keogh threw the ball into coverage only to see his receiver Tam Chapman pop up with the ball.

Tam Chapman also showed his versatility when he kicked the extra point over. James Keogh added another himself at the start of the fourth quarter when he kept the ball and dove over from 3 yards out. Once more Tam Chapman added the one.

Sheffield were not going down without a fight and their next possession brought them to within 10 points. Although Blackhawk’s Andy Taylor looked as though he sacked the QB he just managed to toss the ball to Jeremy May to keep the drive alive.

William Rouse was waiting in the endzone to gather in the next pass for his third TD of the day.

The kick was blocked. Blackhawks extended their lead on the following drive when Graeme ‘G Mac’ MacMillan popped through the line and galloped 42 yards for the 6 points. Tam Chapman slotted over the extra point.

The Blackhawks then controlled the clock and time ran out.

Blackhawks would like to thank the Longhorns and the Falcons for supplying the chain crew. Also sponsors Chapmans the Butchers and the Commercial Hotel, Bar & Club.  The Blackhawks travel to Manchester next Sunday to take on the Titans.

The Blackhawks are away this week to Manchester for a double header with the Longhorns and the Blackhawks both playing in Manchester.

The next home game is when the Longhorns play Manchester the following Sunday at home and the Blackhawks the sunday after play their final league game against the Glasgow Tigers at Beltane playing fields

CALLING ALL AMERICANS - Are you over here working and would like to play American football? We the Blackhawks are recruiting coaches and players for next season now . If you think you could help in anyway at all contact Colin on 07787785262 or email me at  sonofmatt@yahoo.co.uk