CLANSMEN EDGE OUT GUTSY PYROS
It was a positive start from the Pyros at the start of the third period getting just inside Clansmen territory. But the drive eventually stalled and the home side soon found themselves being pushed back up field when Bryan started to find his range, hooking up with Steve Fraser for a first down. The momentum then swung back in the home sides favour when the Pyros recovered a Clansmen fumble. But the home side failed to capitalise on their good fortune with needless penalties forcing them back beyond their original line of scrimmage and were forced to punt away possession. It then looked if it was going to be one of those days for the Clansmen when a long pass from Bryan fell into the hands of Jay “Garden Gloves” Mitchell, who returned the ball back to the Clansmen 35 yard line.
And a special teams break down saw the ball making no progress up field on the Pyro’s punt attempt. It was soon third down for the visitors and Bryan decides to do what he does best and take the ball up field himself, scrambling into the Paisley half for an automatic first down. On the next play, Bryan then connected with Fergus Reeve, who cut inside and ensured the chains were moved once again. Unfortunately for Stirling, “Garden Gloves” Mitchell got in the way of another Bryan pass handing the home side another opportunity to get back into the game. But the defensive trade offs continued going into the final quarter, where the Clansmen stepped up the intensity on the Paisley rear guard edging closer towards the Pyros goal line. The home side were now digging deep as the Clansmen gambled on a crucial fourth down play.
Time was running out on the Pyros as they battled hard to get back into the game, hoping to at least get some points on the board. But unfortunately fortune did not favour the brave after some tough defending on both sides meant that the Clansmen deservedly came away with the spoils and now must wait to see what happens in the knock out stages. As for the Pyros,
there was plenty evidence on show that they are starting to grow in strength.
And if they can hold on to their current numbers and continue to develop
as a unit, then they are certain to give some teams a tough time next
season. |
Clansmen
Kick Off Returner Jeff Bryan took over the offensive controls and was
fortunate not to be intercepted on the next play and had to concede a
turnover in downs. 
The
visitors only gave up couple of yards on the next drive. 
Thankfully
for the visitors, the gamble paid off as Receiver, Richie Lennon, latched
on to a short Bryan pass, breaking tackles taking it all the way to the
endzone.
