TIGERS TURNOVER RAMS
North Lanarkshire Rams 18 Glasgow Tigers 26

Four crucial turnovers and some power running from Ian “Sparky” Dick consolidated Glasgow Tigers position at the top of the British Youth League Northern Conference with a hard fought 26-18 over the North Lanarkshire Rams.

After a hard fought first quarter, the breakthrough came in the second period when two Derek Russell field goals along with a converted Ian Dick touchdown gave the Tigers fourteen unanswered points.

But a Blair McTague touchdown just before the break, gave the Rams hope of a comeback.

Sparky put the visitors further ahead early in the fourth quarter, but touchdowns from Steve Dunn and Jamie Reyes brought the home side to within two points.

But the Tigers killed the game off just outside the two minute warning when Sparky ran in his third score of the day.

The Tigers have so far emerged as the front runner for this year’s Scottish Conference having dropped only one out of their first four games.

And they came into today’s match up against a rejuvenate Rams side, who got back into championship contention following last week’s 30 point whitewash over local rivals, Clyde Valley Hawks.

Unfortunately for the Rams, they came into this game with out the services of their new star running back, Andrew Noble, but still possessed a number of offensive threats along with a defensive unit that has turned in some solid performances.

But with little to separate the teams during what was a very short first quarter, the Tigers made the breakthrough early in the second, when Derek Russell split the uprights to put the visitors three points up.

Disaster then struck the Rams offense on the first play of their next drive fumbling away possession deep in their own half of the field.

And minutes later, Dick turned on the speed crossing the goal line from 9 yards out, with Russell adding the conversion attempt, giving the Tigers an 11 point lead.

The Rams attack collapsed again when a blown hand off attempt, resulted in another fumble with Rookie, John Reilly diving on the loose ball, giving the Tigers once again excellent field position.

But a tough stand off from the home rear guard resulted in the Tigers making very little progress and had to settle for the boot of Derek Russell, who nailed his second field goal, giving the Glasgow outfit fourteen unanswered points.

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