Bullets Open With A Win
Those who went to watch the conference game between Bristol and Plymouth at (Blitz’s) Dominoes Field encountered the rare treats of both a close game, and sunshine.
Bristol kicked off the game which gave them the chance to test out a refurbished defence against a newly renovated Plymouth offence. Some rare mistakes from a usually solid Bullet run defence allowed the Plymouth running game to put the first points on the bored, via a running back sweep. The big Plymouth running back still found a small gap to squeeze in 6 points. The two point conversion failed.
Bristol’s offence took the field and it wasn’t until the second quarter that good blocking from both O-Line and Receivers Dayne Robinson and Sam Williams enabled Bristol to put some long awaited points on the bored, with Sam Stalbow running in a 65 yard touchdown, outpacing every Blitz defender on the outside, even with half the field bogged, and stuck to his boots. The two point conversion was unsuccessful. Both teams went into the half level pegging.
Bristol’s half time speech must of reminded them that they were in a game, as the Bullets Defence stepped up and dominated the outside run from Plymouth. Plymouth’s 2 most dangerous attackers were continuously forced to alter any plans, even when they chose to pass the Bullets defence shut them down. The Bullets offence line also stepped up, and with rookie player’s Joe Baker and Luke Philip providing stable solid performances, this helped, along with blocking from Theo Barrett, helped Sam Stalbow to a second running touchdown, this time from forty four yards out. Sam was not on his own with his running, as newly elected captain Gareth Rees put in some big blocks and a good performance.
The defence for Bristol came to life, highlighted by Eugene Agidee who led the defence with 7 tackles and a fourth quarter sack for a safety. With good performances from Ismail “Hitstick” Zoheb, Mark “Token” Hibberd, James “J” Anderson and some good rookie performances, the Bullets Defence were able to keep the Plymouth offence at bay for the remainder of the game. All they had to do, was count the tackles.
Eugene Agidee was the Overall MVP for the day, with Sam Stalbow as the Offence MVP for his 171 Yards from 19 carries for the day. Mark Hibberd’s punting helped him become Special Teams MVP helped by some excellent long snapping in bad weather by Adam Stenlake. O-Line Luke Philip earned rookie of the game, and the "Hitstick" Ismail ZOheb earned Defensive Player of the Game.
Bristol face a confident Cardiff Cobra’s this week, at Filton Wise, Bristol. With a 1.30pm kick off, this encounter will be a tough test from Bristol. Definitely one to watch.
