Lancaster Bombers 26-6 York Centurions
Lancaster Bombers continued their fine Roses record as they cruised to a comfortable 26-6 win over their York compatriots in the Friday sunshine. The bombers, who have only ever lost one Roses match in their history, ran away with the second half as their class shone through despite a battling York side.
The Bombers were overwhelming favourites for the fixture and had to deal with a cagey first quarter from a York side who were dogged in trying to force the issue on home soil. Both sides were solid in defence and offered little offensive presence early one as turnovers were exchanged, the first real moment of quality coming from Bombers quarterback Iain Meador, who took matters into his own hands and ran in the first yards of the game.
After a couple of drops following good long passes from Meador, Lancaster finally made their breakthrough early in the second quarter. A long pass from Meador was clutched nicely by Liam Nattrass, who made a by-line for the endzone and sprinted clear of the York defence, running in a much needed lead for the away side.
Lancaster failed to add 2 more following the Touchdown, but would have been delighted to go into the break 6-0, or so they thought.
York’s finest moment of the game undoubtedly came in the dying minutes of the first half, as a stunning interception from Stephen Bates gave the home side a final chance to get back into the game, an opportunity they snatched.
Quarterback Will Muirhead had his finest moment all day as he fired an arrow of a pass into Kev Uwotu, who’s incredible speed allowed him to race the ball home. York had sneaked a leveller going into the break.
The second half however, belonged well and truly to the Red Rose from the moment they were gifted an extra two points, via a safety following a lapse in concentration from the home side.
Lancaster needed no extra incentive to make the most of this break and were completely dominant throughout the second period, with explosive running-back Dimeji Ademiju being a constant thorn in the Centurions’ side.
Unsurprisingly, it was that man Ademiju who extended the Bombers’ lead in the third quarter, who after receiving the ball short from Meador, bamboozled the York defence with a sharp turn and proceeded to race clear with his blistering pace. Going into the final quarter, the away side led 14-6.
The final quarter was where Lancaster really turned the screw and put the game to bed, wide receiver Matt Lomax adding another valuable six points following a short rushing touchdown early on, giving the away side some breathing room.
The 20-6 score line was a deserved one for the Red Rose and could have been much greater, had they not been so wasteful with a string of dropped catches and unsuccessful conversions.
The real comfort however, came in the form of the Bomber’s defensive line, who were an impenetrable force for most of the game. York were frustrated time and time again at their inability to make yards on the bombers defence, with their only attack of note being the touchdown scored at the end of the first half.
Lancaster’s defensive force was epitomised by Connor Monaghan who midway through the fourth quarter unleashed a huge tackle that sent a York guard sprawling into his own running back to lose four yards. The ferocity of the Bomber’s defence provided the catalyst for the win, which was to be secured late on in the quarter.
Within the final two minutes, Lancaster were back on offence, and back amongst the points. A great catch from Jack Hilton yards from touch put even more pressure on a waning York defence, and once again Lancaster were able to capitalise as Josh Jahans ran the ball home.
With the Bombers now out of sight, the Lancaster faithful on the side line were boisterous throughout the final few minutes and erupted at full time, as the away side claimed a 26-6 win and four Roses Points.
After the game, Lancaster’s American quarterback Ian Meador spoke to SCAN about his side’s performance: “I thought we were excellent, our defence were especially great. As a quarterback when you only need to find six points, it makes your job a lot easier.”
The game also marked the last in charge for long-time Bomber’s head coach Darren Carr, who will no doubt be delighted to end his reign with yet another Roses victory.
