Timberwolves start season with a bang

Library Pic
Edinburgh 38 – 0 Paisley
(HT 19-0)

The Edinburgh Universities Timberwolves gave a vocal home crowd plenty to cheer about on their way to an opening day 38-0 victory over divisional rivals the Paisley Pyros. Scores from Dante Garcia, Will Murray, Matt Humphrey, Phil Forrest and Mark Southgate gave a raucous and exuberant home crowd a welcome excuse to flaunt their well-rehearsed victory chants and celebrations.

The Capital side extinguished any threat from the Pyros early in the contest, the defense holding the visitors to 12 yards in six plays and giving their own offense great field position. The Timberwolves capitalised with strong running from Brian Marshall being converted in a touchdown pass to Dante Garcia from 15 yards out for the opening score. The extra point was converted by Ryan Whitley to bring the score to 7-0.

Further pressure from the Timberwolves’ vaunted front seven led to some missed assignments in the Paisley trenches, the Pyros again unable to progress far upfield. Ryan Kleier’s solid return of a Paisley punt set up Will Murray for a 19 yard touchdown run. The extra point was caught in the swirling gales, wide left, the score 13-0. Similar pressure from the Timbers’ D led to another punt by Paisley, thus providing the opportunity for Murray to bother the scorers again with a scamper into the endzone from 19 yards out. Extra point missed again, the score 19-0 at the half.

In the third quarter Paisley came out fired up and ready to improve on their lacklustre performance so far. However once again Edinburgh’s stifling defense, led by game MVP Erik Gerwick and Carl ‘Rex’ Hubbard, not only stood firm but prevented the Pyros from any gain whatsoever on two successive series. Unfortunately a combination of penalties and ineffectiveness meant the Timberwolves’ offense were unable to capitalise.

After numerous changes of possession, Edinburgh got into the endzone again, this time on a 41 yard pass from Dan Cameron to Matt Humphrey, who high-stepped his way into the painted part of the field. Extra point was again missed for a 26-0 scoreline.

Down by four scores Paisley’s attack took to the air, but with little success. Interception returns for touchdowns on consecutive drives – first from Phil Forrest from 35 yards out and then Mark Southgate from 55 sealed the Timberwolves victory.

With a dominant defensive display, and a balanced offense that provided over 180 yards on the ground and 120 in the air, the Timberwolves can be pleased with their opening day efforts. The team now travel to Glasgow on the 13 November hoping to ‘put one over’ on another division rival.