With a squad
of just 14 players the Glasgow Tigers made the journey south to
play The Merseyside Nighthawks knowing that only a supreme effort
from every player would be enough to compete in this game.
That was indeed
what Glasgow Head Coach Taylor got from his team as they battled
and fought for a result against all the odds.
The Nighthawks
started well and held Glasgow’s Offence to three attempts
and a punt and then the Merseyside Offence began a long drive of
60 yards on the back of the power running of Damian Routledge. However
some resolute defence by the Tigers and a holding penalty stopped
the Nighthawks just short of the goaline.
Then an interception and 65 yard return by Glasgow Cornerback Graham
Whyte gave the Tigers good field position and dug them out of a
hole.
Whyte who was
the Tigers man of the match amassed 239 all purpose yards on the
day with 3 receptions for 93 yards, a 51 yard punt return, an 18
yard kick off return, and 4 carries for 12 yards to add to the interception.
The Tigers Offence
were unable to break through a tough Nighthawks Defence and an interception
gave the ball back to the Nighthawks. This is how it progressed
throughout the whole of the first half with both Defensive units
very much on top. With the score at 0 -0 at the break, the Tigers
could be proud of a creditable first half performance.
On the first
play of the third quarter, Glasgow kicker Euan Bennet expertly fielded
the onside kick which was gladly recovered by Ally Choat. This gave
Glasgow the ball in good field position but their luck was to run
out, when a wayward Choat pass was intercepted by Thomas Ackerley
who ran back 45 yards to the endzone for the touchdown. A fine stop
by Graeme Clee ended the Merseyside two point attempt and left the
score at 6 – 0.
For the rest
of the third quarter, the Tigers Defensive Line of West, Begg, Swanson
and McMartin managed to pressure and harass the Merseyside Offensive
line and stop them gaining any kind of advantage.
The fourth quarter
was again dominated by each Defensive unit, and Merseyside must
have thought they could add to their advantage when Gareth Kay intercepted
another Glasgow pass, but the Nighthawks Offence was thwarted again
by the Tigers Defence. Both teams exchanged the ball again before
Glasgow made good use of their timeouts and tackled inbounds forcing
Merseyside to punt on fourth down.