Longhorns Find The Running Tough!
REport and pic C/O Lanarkshire Longhorns

The Lanarkshire Longhorns travelled to Gateshead on Sunday 17^th April for their opening game of the 2011 season ready to pick up where they left off last year, winning 2 of their last 3 games.

Gateshead Senators junior squad had other ideas, delivering the Longhorns their heaviest loss since the team entered the league at the start of 2010. After going down 32-6 the Longhorns could have been forgiven for feeling dejected, but the spirit throughout the team was clearly one of let’s learn from this and take it into the rest of the season!

The final result implies a one-sided match up but this was far from the case. The Longhorns contributed 262 yards of offence to the contest, and while the Senators scored 4 touchdowns in the first half, those 4 plays accounted for half their total offence on the day.

Gateshead managed to exploit the Longhorns inexperience at a number of positions and pushed their advantage home with a series of impressive running plays. Lanarkshire didn’t lie down and after replying in the first half with a score of their own through a run from QB Ally Ferguson, came out in the second half with a stronger resolve.

Gateshead had to work a lot harder to get past team captains Mike Orr and David McInally with last years defensive MVP Sean Fallan leading the way. The Offence also put on a strong display with former GB Lions Andrew Steen and Craig Samuel putting up the yards under the direction of Ferguson and back up  QB Nicky Farrell. 

2011 rookies Andrew Cairns and Andrew Reid made their mark at wide receiver and special teams positions giving the Longhorns plenty to look forward with for the season ahead. Gateshead managed a final score in the 3^rd quarter bringing the end result to 32-6.

Lanarkshire’s squad took this disappointing opening result on the chin and left Gateshead determined to put things right in their upcoming games at Lancashire and then at home, again to Gateshead.

The Longhorns would like to thank everyone who travelled with the team to offer their support and hope you will join them for the first home game at Beltane playing fields, Wishaw, on Sunday 15^th May, 12 noon, when they host the return match against Gateshead.        Don’t miss it.

More information on the Longhorns  : www.lanarkshirelonghorns.com