LIONS SHAKE OFF SEAHAWKS
Round 3 of Gridiron NSW competition saw the Lions take on the pride of the Shire - The Sutherland Seahawks. Although meetings between these two clubs over the last few years have been blowouts, with the Lions crushing the Seahawks (when they turn up to the game ...), a revamped Seahawks passing offence predicted a closer score this year.
The first quarter was a tight affair, with both teams scoring on two possessions. The similarities between the two offences ended there however, as both teams went about their scoring in different ways. The Lion’s balanced attack pounded the Seahawks on the ground, before releasing “The Thoroughbreds” - Sydney University’s receiving core - directed by maestro Danny Kelen. Sutherland, on the other hand, really only had one option - Australian Outback receiver Brandon Martel. This wasn’t a balanced attack, but it was effective, with two passing touchdowns to Martel, the second a 64 yard effort from a screen play. Sutherland attempted to go for two in both instances, converting on one.
Against a team that likes to pass the ball as much as Sutherland, it was unsurprising that a DB led the tackle count. Defensive captain Leigh Louey-Gung had 8 tackles, including 4 for a loss, and forced a fumble. Chris Snagg had a nice interception and also played the ball in the air well, breaking up another pass.
Although statistically the front four had a quiet night, they did as best they could manage against such an unbalanced attack. When the Seahawks attempted to run it was always shut down, and there was plenty of hands in the Sutherland QB’s face when he threw from his two step drop.
The offence put on a clinic for all the other teams watching the game. A total of nine touchdowns were scored, as the offence looked all but unstoppable with the ball in hand. Australian Outback receiver Mathew Freeman showed why he was a starter for his country, hauling in 9 receptions for 154 yards, including a 50 yard touchdown. Catching everything that was thrown his way, and breaking the first tackle every time, Freeman was a force of nature out there.
The other receivers, not be outdone by Mathew, made it a long night for the Sutherland defensive secondary. Brad Ryals caught 4 balls, including one for a touchdown. Liam Erby caught three balls, while Tristan Cauhepe, Jens Frister, Mac Shine and Matt Croasdaile each caught one pass, with Tristan and Jens’ catches going for touchdowns. Of note is that Tristan’s touchdown was thrown by Jens, meaning that Jens both caught a TD and threw one, making for a rare double.
The punishing nature of the Lion’s two headed running attack was shown in this game. Liam Erby had 15 carries for 80 yards and a score, while Matt Croasdaile had 15 carries for 84 yards and four scores. Both backs were dominant in their lead blocking efforts, selflessly clearing the way for one another. The improved blocking of the two backs has been a hallmark of the 2007 offence, and big reason why the ground game is so effective this year.
All of these fireworks couldn’t occur without the tireless effort of an aggressive, skilled offensive line. Linemen Andrew Matthews, Cam “Twinky” Lawrence, David Thode, Dave Allen, James Gifford, Paul Edwards and Andrew Simpson all worked well together to open up running lanes against the active front seven from Sutherland.
Final thoughts must belong to Dave Allen, who played in his 150th game as a Lion. Dave started playing back in 1992 (when some of our current Cubs players were born) as an athletic outside linebacker. As the years went on, Dave moved closer to the ball, finally settling in the position of offensive line, which matches his athleticism and sense of humour perfectly. An honourary captain for the game, Dave’s experience and calming presence has been a part of the club for much of its history, and hopefully he will continue to be a part of the club for another 150 games, unless time, old age, Lisa Allen, or a combination of the aforementioned catch up with him. It was a fitting game for Dave’s 150, with a dominating win and plenty of physical play.
Sydney Uni Lions 61 def. Sutherland Seahawks 26
6 October 2007
St George Hockey Field, Kyeemagh
1Q SS: Martel 16 yd TD pass from Upham. 2pt failed. 0:6
1Q SU: Freeman 50 yd TD pass. Erby PAT 7:6
1Q SU: Croasdaile 8 yd TD run. Erby PAT 14:6
1Q SS: Martel 64 yd TD pass from Upham. 2pt pass 14:14
2Q SU: Croasdaile 20 yd TD run. Erby PAT failed. 20:14
2Q SS: Martel 23 yd TD pass from Upham. 2pt failed 20:20
2Q SU: Erby 6 yd TD run. Erby PAT 27:20
3Q SU: Ryals 6 yd TD pass from Kelen. Erby PAT 34:20
3Q SS: Martel 65 yd TD kick off return. 2pt failed 34:26
4Q SU: Frister 20 yd TD pass from Kelen. Erby PAT 41:26
4Q SU: Croasdaile 18 yd TD run. Erby PAT 48:26
4Q SU: Croasdaile 16 yd TD run. Erby PAT failed 54:26
4Q SU: Cauhepe 27 yd TD pass from Frister. Erby PAT 61:26