BULLS EDGE OUT BRONCOS

Kirkcaldy Bulls 33 Grangemouth Broncos 27

Kirkcaldy Bulls American Football Club travelled to Grangemouth to take on the Broncos, looking to stretch their lead in the SFFA Senior North/East Conference.

If previous encounters were to go by, this was always going to a close game, and with both teams heading up their respective conferences all eyes in the league where upon this game. The Bulls won the toss and started with possession of the ball.

A good starting drive saw them pick the Broncos defense apart and march upfield, however a solid defensive stand by the Grangemouth outfit saw the Bulls stopped 1 yard short of the goaline.

The Broncos took over possession and found it hard to move the ball against a focused Bulls defense.

Following a turnover on downs the Bulls quickly moved to the halfway line before Bramwell picked out Neil Arnold for the opening score of the game.

Wylie caught the ball in the end-zone for the extra point but it was ruled that his flags were illegal before the start of the play and he was therefore an illegible receiver. The Bulls defense remained defiant and halted the Broncos attack, giving them the chance to stretch the lead.

It took the offense only seconds to take advantage as Bramwell threw a 35 yard pass to McLennan for a touchdown.

This time Wylie’s conversion was good and the Bulls led 13-0. The Broncos were in no mood to give up though as they progressed down the field before scoring a controversial touchdown.

With the conversion good the Bulls lead was down to 6. On the Bulls next possession an under thrown pass was intercepted by the Broncos defense and this set up the game tying touchdown.

The Broncos converted to give them a slender 1 point lead at the interval.

The Broncos started with the ball in the second half and quickly scored after a mix up by the Bulls defense, and followed this up with a successful extra point conversion.

With an 8 point deficit the Bulls changed their tactics and brought Neil Arnold in at quarterback. He quickly put together a good drive culminating in Cook’s first touch down of the season. Wylie converted again to bring the Bulls back to within a point.

The Broncos replied as they went downfield once again for another score with Bramwell intercepting the extra point attempt to keep the Bulls within 7.

This appeared to be the turning point in the game as the Bulls were now fired up and quickly tied the game as Arnold threw to McLennan for both the score and the extra point conversion.

The Bulls shuffled their defensive formation in an attempt to stop the Broncos offense. This worked and the Bulls regained pocession.

The Bulls then put together a great drive that saw McLennan get his hat-trick of touchdowns to put the Bulls up by 6. With only minutes left in the game the Broncos had to score quickly, however an inspired Bulls defense had other ideas.

Firstly Todd made two good tackles before Bramwell made a great pass deflection on the goaline.

It was fourth down for the Broncos and the game came down to the next play. Paul Arnold blitzed the Broncos QB forcing him to hurry the throw which Neil Arnold intercepted in the endzone for a touchback.

With just over a minute remaining the Bulls just needed to see out the clock. Guthrie made a good run that saw him almost making the halfway line setting up Jones for the firstdown that ended the game. The Bulls ran out 33-27 winners.

Grant McLennan was named as the smm7.com Most Valuable Player after bagging 3 touchdowns including the winner.

After the game Headcoach Neil Arnold commented “We made it hard for ourselves today but we showed great team spirit as we battled back to snatch the win.”

He continued “Take nothing away from the Broncos though, once again they gave us a tough game and showed why they were in last years championship game”

The Bulls now look forward to the Beveridge Park Festival this weekend where they will be playing a league double header on Sunday against the Inverness Rockets and Glasgow Hornets.

A win in both games will see the Bulls book their place in the playoffs and give themselves a commanding lead in the North/East Conference.

The Bulls will also be in attendance on Saturday to provide hands-on demonstrations of American Football for all age groups, and are looking to provide an exhibition match.

For further information contact Neil Arnold on 01592 569871, email enquiries@kirkcaldybulls.com or visit www.kirkcaldybulls.com