Manchester Titans American Football Club

The Manchester Titans made the long journey up to Scotland to take on the 2-0 Glasgow Tigers, who as well as being unbeaten were yet to concede any points so far this season. Coming off the back of a defeat last week against Lancashire, it was crucial that the Titans got back to winning ways.

The Tigers kicked off and after both teams exchanged punts, the Titans found themselves starting their second drive of the game on their own 1 yard line. This did not prove to be a problem, running back Dave Barnett was able to pick his way through the middle of the Tigers defence and into the open field to go 89 yards for the Touchdown. Credit goes to receiver Adam Simms who pursued the play downfield to make two key blocks deep in Tigers territory. The PAT was blocked by Glasgow so the Titans led 6-0 in the 1st quarter.

From the kick off the Tigers started the drive deep in their own territory, the Titans were defending resolutely and after a 3 and out the Titans were able to rush the punt causing a fumble and eventually tackle the Kicker on the Glasgow 4 yard line. The Titans offence took full advantage of the field position and Dave Barnett took his rushing yards to the full length of the pitch by going in from 1 yard out. The Titans went for a two point conversion and QB Alan Mead found tight-end Chris Heap to give the Titans a 14-0 1st quarter lead.

Into the second and the game entered a period of stalemate with both teams exchanging punts until the Tigers hit back. Starting a drive on their own 40 yard line, they were able to find a hole through the previously tight Titans defence and go 50 yards through the middle to register their first points of the game. The Tigers went for the two point conversion but the run was held up at the line, the Titans lead was now 14-6.

Both teams were putting drives together but neither defence would buckle, with the next score crucial it was Glasgow who found the breakthrough. After a long drive they were eventually able to run the ball home on a long sweep from 15 yards out. This time the 2 point conversion was good after a lobbed pass into the corner to even the scores to 14-14 at the half.

Half Time: Titans 14 – Tigers 14

After the restart it was Glasgow who were able to take the lead, maintaining their momentum from the 2nd quarter. After a long drive downfield the Tigers forced the ball in from 8 yards out to take the lead. Attempting the two point conversion the Titans defence were able to form a solid wall to keep the Tigers out to make the score 20-14 in Glasgow’s favour.

The Titans found themselves behind for the first time in the game but were able to respond quickly. Starting inside their own 10 yard line the Titans offence drew on all their offensive weapons the march 80 yards downfield. Strong running from Dave Barnett, Phil Fitzpatrick and William Wakatega and good combination some superlative catches from Phil Walldecker moved the ball downfield, the drive ended as Alan Mead found Adam Simms open in the corner who plucked the ball out of the air the level the scores at 20-20.

With the scores level the PAT would be crucial, the Titans went for two, QB Alan Mead was able to get the ball away under pressure and tight-end Chris Heap showed great hands to pluck the ball out of the air give the Titans a valuable 2 point lead as the game headed into the 4th quarter.

In a tight game, ball control was going to prove crucial and the turning point came as the Titans safety Carl Rugen Jr. made an interception as the Tigers were moving the ball downfield and was able to return the ball to midfield. The Titans offence was able to run out time but the Tigers would get one last chance to save the game with under 2 minutes remaining. On a third down the Titans D-Line which had been fantastic all day was able to get through and Rick Hurst forced a fumble to enable the Titans to close the game out.

Full Time: Titans 22 – Tigers 20

A crucial win for the Titans against a very well drilled Glasgow side in what could well prove to be one of the best games of the season. With a positive record once again the Manchester Titans now have three weeks off to prepare for the visit of fierce rivals the Merseyside Nighthawks to Broughton Park on the 15th of June.

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