Aztecs sink the Jolly Roger

East Kilbride Pirates 6 Bristol Aztecs 28

East Kilbride Pirates challenge for the British Premier League Play Offs, disintegrated before their eyes following a convincing 28-6 loss to the Bristol Aztecs.

Despite some disappointing results on the road, the Pirates came into the game with their objectives clearly mapped out - win and you are in the knock out stages.

It was the same for the Aztecs as well, but the English showed more urgency during the opening stages of the game when Dom Westwood fired a long pass to Nick Smith at the corner of the endzone, who made a first class catch under pressure for the opening touchdown.

The Pirates had to wait for their second series when from deep within their own half before their offensive machine finally got in gear after Darryn Trainor dumped the ball off to Blake Kyle, who made a great run up the middle to the 24 yard line and a first down.

Trainor then connected with Tight End Mark Murphy to move the chains once again for the Scots.

But the Scots, managed to create more opening for themselves but they could not connect with their receivers, ending what was a frustrating first quarter.

The Pirates started to lose their discipline at the start of the second quarter, when an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty brought the visitors 8 yards from the goal line.

And with the speed of the Bristol attack, it was not surprising to see them increase their lead when Nick Proctor blasted through a hole for a second touchdown, which was converted by Mark Hibberd for a 13-0 lead.

With the game now appearing to run away from them, it was important that the Scots had to step up the pace in order to keep their play off hopes alive.

Trainor made a pass up the middle to with a pass to Murphy, who made a great diving catch at the Bristol 21 yard line.

The Pirates trigger man hooked up with the Tight End once again. But with the Aztecs appearing to stand their ground, the Pirate faced a crucial long third down situation, where Trainor was on the money finding Jamie McLaughlin at the corner of the endzone, who made a great catch under pressure.

But any hopes of a Pirates come back were soon put to bed when a text book reverse move from the Aztecs caught the home defense off balance, ending with Smith sprinting down the far side for a touchdown, which was converted again to give the English 20 unanswered points.

The speed of the English side continued to put the Pirates under pressure, who themselves were struggling to close the gap.

And the game was finally put to bed late in the final quarter, when after another needless Pirates penalty. David Egbosimba made it a twenty point gap for the Aztecs, with Matt Barrett running into the two point conversion to make it 28-6 final score.

East Kilbride have one last chance to end the season on a high this coming Sunday 31 st August when they play host to the Birmingham Bulls.