Lancaster Bombers American Football team sealed four points for the Red Rose, winning 18-6 against the York Centurions in wet and windy conditions. Lancaster put in a strong performance and never looked like losing a match that they controlled in an efficient display of strength and ability.
The Bombers were defeated by York in the league earlier this season. The Lancaster Captain, Matt Neve, told SCAN in advance of the match that the team were determined not to lose again, and this showed in the positive, attacking ethos they adopted from the outset.
Lancaster dominated right from the opening stages through the first two quarters. They constantly picked apart the Centurions, preventing them from making a single meaningful attack throughout the first half.
This resilient display was justified by Bombers’ impressive second touchdown just ten minutes in, delivered by Lancaster’s Wide Receiver Jazon Klose for his second. A clever pass from near the Lancaster goal-line enabled Klose to make a fast break down the flanks to capitalise and claim the six points for the Bombers.
York struggled to make advances towards the endzone throughout the first half, with the strength of the defense cheers from the sidelines explaining exactly why. The Bombers proved a formidable force.
There was definitely a more defensive feel from Lancaster as the match resumed after the first half, while also committing some minor offences. It was looking increasingly less likely that the Bombers would increase their side of the scoreline, until Klaus managed to cement his mark on the game with another touchdown with an incisive cut through the York line.
Despite this, the Centurions were able to earn a six point touchdown very late in the final quarter that ended up being no more than a consolation.
Tempers started to boil towards the end of the final quarter, but Lancaster never faltered and deserve credit for their strong mentality. The Bombers have maintained their impressive unbeaten record that has stood throughout the history of the Roses tournament.
Marc Handley, LUSU Vice President (Sports) played in the match. He told SCAN: “I think the match went really well. Hopefully we showed York that the league win over the Bombers was nothing but a fluke. We worked really hard for that win and I’m glad it paid off.”
He also commented on his personal performance. He said: “To have a good game personally was nice too. I felt a fair bit of pressure coming in to the game and I think that showed with kick-off when I went a bit mental and levelled three players, but I’m just glad we came out with the four points.”
The result was a strong one for Lancaster to have achieved at this point, coming early on the second day of the tournament. The four points enabled the Red Rose to take an early lead from York overall that would not be lost until the next day of play.
