Bullets Overcome The Cobra
On paper, this game was set to be intense and a close fought match with Cardiff winning. Two out of three isn’t bad.
Sunday saw Cardiff Cobras travel to Filton to face a rising Bristol Bullets outfit. The game got off to a flying start for the Bullets as on Cardiff’s opening drive, third and one, their fullback dive was stopped in his tracks by running back turn Line Backer Wendell Smith, who showed he would rather hit then be hit. Utilising the opportunity, the Bullets put together a great first drive, and with five rookie players on the offence starting the game, Bristol were able to release Sam Stalbow who ran the Cobras defence ragged and finishing with a fourteen yard run for a touchdown. James Anderson was able to kick the point after.
The Cobra’s didn’t take this quick touchdown lightly, and while the Bullets lost concentration for a few moments, Cardiff took the opportunity to run the ball with Martin Tranter to put six points on the board. Their Kicker was successful with the point after.
The following kick off prove vital for the Bullets as new kick returner Dayne Robinson, with help from some big blocking from Adam Stenlake, Wendall Smith and Mark Sanchez on the Kick Return team, was able to return the kick for six points on a return from his own one yard line. James Anderson was able to kick the extra point.
Cardiff were able to finish the second quarter on a high with their London Blitz running back Deji Alli scoring on his birthday by catching a ten yard pass for a touchdown from Quarterback Gareth Thomas. This was followed by a successful two point conversion.
Bristol started to step up the pace again in the second half, with Quarterback Ian Hugo leading the offence (with 13 out of 18 completed on the day for two touchdown’s) on a seventy yard drive ending with a pass to James Anderson for a touchdown. Rookie Will Hall proved to be a monster power-back all game, and topped his good performance with a two point conversion. The third quarter remained deadlock, but excellent playing calling from the offensive coaching crew of Matt Dyke, Charlie Wilson and Nick Burt wasn’t over.
In the fourth quarter, the rookies for Bristol stepped up to the plate with Rookie Tight End Nathan Holmes putting in some key blocking to help Sam Stalbow to his second 100+ yard rushing game. New Wide Receiver Alistair Kale showed that he will play a key part in the offence, not only this year but for the next few, with some good catches.
The Bristol defence continued to perform, taking away three passes for interceptions by Zoheb Ismail, James Anderson and a good leap from Mark Sanchez. Corner Will North put in some solid open field tackles and Rookie Aaron Lazenby picking up a fourth quarter sack, as well as Mark Hibberd picking up a sack late in the third.
Alistair Kale put in an MVP performance, finished off with a sixteen yard pass catch for a touchdown, which James Anderson was able to convert. Cardiff were able to put another six points on the board. This left a six point gap in Bristol’s favour. Cardiff had 1 minute left on the clock, no time outs, and one chance to win it all. Key catches for Deji lead them into the Bullets half but some key bat downs from Iain Mac and Will North combined with some good pressure from DE Ben Taylor meant that the Cobras could not find the first down they needed to keep the game alive. The Bullets then took the field to enjoy their victory formation to the final whistle. Bristol ended the showdown at 29-23, to go 2-0.
The Bullets and the Cobras were a credit to BUAFL. Head Coach Matt Dyke commented 'This was a great advert for the British College game, and with some key injuries and players graduating it was impressive to watch new faces make plays in the Bullet jersey. With this win the Bristol Football Family are very happy. Bristol BUAFL sitting at 4 & 0!'.
Defensive MVP for the game was Will North, with Mark Sanchez earned an honorable mention. Offensive leader and MVP was Ian Hugo and Rookie MVP was Alistair “B-Bomb” Kale. Dayne Robinson put in a solid performance to earn the Overall MVP while Mark Hibberd put in some solid punting to earn ST MVP for the second week running.
Bristol face a wounded bath Killer Bees team this coming Sunday. A fresh rivalry that should produce a close game.
