Portsmouth Destroyers @ OBU Panthers

#45 Jack Valler scored 2 TDs

A frozen pitch at Oxford Brookes threatened to postpone another game for the Portsmouth Destroyers, who had only played one game so far this season. But the midday sun thawed the field out and the game was good to go.

Portsmouth’s defence showed that they had used their time off wisely; forcing two fumbles, recovering one and intercepting an OBU ball just in the first quarter.

#33 Kit Rawlings intercepts an OBU ball

The Panthers were struggling to gain yards and Portsmouth’s offense were soon back on the field. Portsmouth attempted a field goal (for the first time in six years) after struggling to get a first down. The kick went wide but it was refreshing to see a team trying something new in their game play.

Once their offence was back on the field, the Destroyers swiftly made their way through the Panthers’ defence to the endzone on a four yard run from running back Jack Valler who was on the field for the first time since being injured in January.

Portsmouth opted to go for a 1pt conversion with their new rookie kicker, Glenn Burgess. The successful kick secured them 7 points on the board.

The ball was then back in the Panthers’ possession but not for long as they fumbled the ball once more which Portsmouth recovered. It wasn’t long before the ball was turned back over to the Panthers and made their way to the endzone on a 42 yard running play. The PAT failed, meaning Portsmouth were ahead by just one point.

Portsmouth reacted strongly, mixing passing and running plays to gain the yards and move downfield and a 23yard touchdown pass got them another 7 points with another successful PAT kick.

Four plays later OBU fumbled the ball again and turned the ball over to Portsmouth who took a knee to end the half.

The second half started with a battle of the defences but it wasn’t long before OBU added another six points to the board from an 18yard passing play. The PAT was unsuccessful. Portsmouth then threw an interception which led OBU into the endzone once more. This time the PAT was good which meant OBU were leading 19-14.

The game heated up in the fourth quarter and OBU were once making their way to the endzone but the ball was intercepted, turning the ball over. Portsmouth then swiftly made their way downfield with completions on their passing plays and a 30yard pass got them down to the 9yard line.

Portsmouth then switched to running plays and Valler once more made his way to the endzone, putting the score at 20-19 to Portsmouth after the PAT failed. All Portsmouth had to do now was stop OBU from moving downfield, a challenge that the Destroyers’ defence took lightly, sacking the Panthers’ quarterback on the last play to secure them the game.

OBU now face the 3-0 Southampton Stags whilst Portsmouth face the 0-3 Surrey Stingers.

#74 Lloyd Scott sacks the QB and ends the game