In their last match before Christmas, the Portsmouth Destroyers faced the 4-0 Oxford Brook’s Panthers. Once again, there was a referee shortage, meaning coaches from both teams had to step up, once more. There was an eerie atmosphere at Lanstone; the boys were eager to prove that they could improve their game and no more ‘hell Tuesdays’ (brutal training sessions) were needed. As this was a home game, the Destroyers were supported by Portsmouth’s cheerleading squad, who were making sure the boy’s egos remained intact.
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| The Destroyers faced the 4-0 Panthers |
The first quarter started well for the Destroyers after a 28yd pass from quarterback Ben Clift was caught by wide receiver Taofeeq Adeyemi for his first touchdown as a Destroyer. A further 2 points were added by running back Tomi Olusanya, leaving the 1st quarter score at 8-0 to the Destroyers. However, the OBU Panthers soon retaliated during the second quarter with a 33yd field goal, giving them 3 points on the board, which was to be the only score during the second quarter.
After a quick word from the coaches and a swift performance from the cheerleaders, the teams were back on the field for the third quarter, both determined to improve on their first half performance. Once more the Destroyer’s offensive-line were failing at letting their offense get vital yards. A few fumbles and failed interceptions later, running back Brook Ince made a 5yd touchdown run for a further 6 points for Portsmouth. The 2 point conversion failed, but Portsmouth were still leading by 11 points.
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| Brook Ince scoring a TD |
The fourth quarter also included a few failed interceptions from Portsmouth, letting the ball literally slip through their fingers. But the wait soon paid off and Brook Ince made another run, this time for 7yds, for his second touchdown of the game. Once more, the 2 point conversion failed, but with the clock still running, it didn’t look like the Panthers could bring it back. Laurence Pestell won not 1 but 2 chicken dinners for his outstanding performance on the field and Anthony ‘Afo’ Black also performed exceptionally making at least 5 vital tackles.
The Destroyers now enter their long Christmas break at 4-0 before their training starts again in January and they face the Team Solent Redhawks away on the 5th February (the same day as the NFL Superbowl!)
Final score- Destroyers 20- 3 OBU Panthers
