Exactly one week after the Destroyers faced Southampton in
their first game of ‘Hell Week’, their last game of the regular season was upon
them, facing the 0-6 RHUL Bears.
Already guaranteed a place in the playoffs, winning this
game would secure the Destroyers the title of Thames Valley Champions once
more. The game was eagerly anticipated with people wondering how
the week had affected the Destroyers.
Portsmouth’s offense started strong with a mix of passing
and running plays securing them a first down but a penalty pushed them back and
they were forced to punt the ball away.
RHUL responded by gaining a first down themselves but the
Destroyers’ defence were proving themselves once more as #44 Abdullahi Hamza
blocked a long pass. RHUL were pushed back by a penalty and the ball was turned
over to Portsmouth.
Starting at RHUL’s 17 yard, Portsmouth didn’t have far to go
to the endzone and once again the running game was strong as #22 Chris
‘Chesney’ Percival fought his way into the endzone to secure the first points
of the game. #9 Glenn Burgess’ PAT was successful and Portsmouth were leading
7-0.
RHUL’s offense were, once again, no match for Portsmouth’s
defence and it wasn’t long before #41 Matt Doherty got his fifth interception
of the week. When the ball was turned back over to RHUL, they were forced
to throw a long Hail Mary pass which miraculously got them a first down. But
the ball wasn’t in their hands for long as #30 Craig Abercrombie intercepted
the ball.
After both teams were forced to punt the ball, Portsmouth’s
offense were on with #7 Sam Forster as QB after Ben Clift was injured in the
game against Solent. The Destroyers secured three 1st downs in a row
through Sam and #15 Mani Gabbidon’s runs. However at the 2 minute warning of the half, the Bears
intercepted a ball. But their passes were blocked and when they were called
offside, they were forced to punt the ball away, ending the half.
The 2nd half started shakily with three flags
being thrown on the kick-off alone. Neither teams succeeded at converting the
downs and the ball was turned over continuously until the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter contained enough excitement for the whole
week, with OL #62 Adam McClure recovering a fumble and running it down and into
the endzone. But the TD was cancelled by a penalty, starting Portsmouth’s
offense at the 10 yard line.
Failing to get into the endzone, Portsmouth attempted a
field goal which was blocked, bringing RHUL’s offense back on at their own 20. But the Bears couldn’t hang on to the ball and it was
fumbled in the endzone for McClure to jump on it and get the Destroyers another
6 points. #8 Lewis Popely added two more points, giving Portsmouth a
comfortable lead of 15-0.
The final whistle blew and Portsmouth had secured the fourth
win of ‘Hell Week’ and were crowned Thames Valley Conference Champions!
FULL TIME: BEARS 0-15 DESTROYERS
UPSUDESTROYERS.ORG
PICTURES CAN BE FOUND HERE
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