LIONS STAND ALONE

The Round Four match up between the University of Sydney Lions and the UTS Gators was billed as a clash of the titans. Both teams were undefeated, had offences that had no trouble scoring and aggressive, hard-hitting defences. By the end of the game, only one team had an effective offence, a suffocating defence and an unblemished record. That team was the Lions.

A fumbled kick-off, deep within their territory, was not the way the Lions envisaged the game starting. With the shortened field, UTS were able to score on a crossing pattern, kick the PAT and take a quick 7-0 advantage. This would be the only high note for a UTS team.  For the rest of the game, the Lion’s defence was impenetrable. Savvy adjustments made by Joe Lim shut down the UTS shotgun spread offence and brought pressure from all sorts of angles. Nick Baldwin was the leading tackler with 5, including a sack, two tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery.

With UTS employing four wide receivers every snap, the game was always going to be a test for the Lion’s secondary; a test they passed with flying colours. Christopher Snagg was the leader in the secondary, with two interceptions and three pass break-ups. He also delivered punishing tackles to both Wide Receivers and the UTS Quaterback. Brad Ryals chipped in with a superb interception in the endzone, and two pass break-ups. The defensive secondary were active with their tackling, with Ray Romian, Anthony Sinton, Leigh Louey-Gung, Sean Miller and Patrick Dahlen all getting on the scorecard with sure tackling.

The defence not only hit hard, but also showed faith in their fellow defenders: zones were occupied with terrifying precision, man to man was executed with ruthless athleticism, and the gang tackling made a few of the UTS players wish they “had a wedding” that week.

Coming into the game, the UTS defence had a reputation for hard hitting and physical style of play. With blitzes coming from anywhere, it was going to be the fiercest test the Lions faced this year. The offensive line showed terrific aggression, constantly driving back the large UTS defensive linemen. Whenever there is a resounding victory, you can be sure that the big boys up front had a good game. Andrew Matthews, Cameron Lawrence, David Thode, James Gifford and Paul Edwards were physical, smart; everything an offensive lineman needs to be.

With huge linebackers, it was always going to be a tough day for the running backs, but the dual threats of Liam Erby and Matt Croasdaile were extremely effective in tough circumstances. Matt Croasdaile ran for 93 yards, punching the ball in for a score three times. Although his stablemate Erby only ran for 48 yards and a score, he was an integral part of the offence, delivering punishing blocks, and cementing his position as the premier Fatback in Gridiron NSW.

Although not given as much time as he normally has (due to UTS pressure style defence) Danny Kelen was cool and poised, passing for 12 of 19 for 138 yards and a score. His excellent leadership and uncanny ability to notice what the opponent was doing, and then attack the weakness was an integral part in why the Lions could move the ball so well.

Mathew Freeman, Brad Ryals and Mac Shine all hauled in three passes, with Brad catching one of those in the endzone. Jens Frister, Tristan Cauhepe and Liam Erby each caught one ball to contribute to the offence. What the stats won’t show however was the physical, disciplined downfield blocking that the receivers executed. Whether it was against a safety, a linebacker or a corner, the Lions receivers were dominant in helping the run game.

The final score was 33-7, with the Lions standing alone as the only undefeated team in the 2007 Gridiron NSW season.

Sydney Uni Lions 33 def. UTS Gators 7

13 October 2007

St George Hockey Field, Kyeemagh

1Q UTS: No 89 20 yd TD pass from Irgang.  PAT           0:7

2Q SU:  Ryals 5 yd TD pass from Kelen. Erby PAT         7:7

2Q SU:  Erby 1 yd TD run.  Erby PAT blocked            13:7

3Q SU:  Croasdaile 2 yd TD run. 2pt pass failed        19:7

4Q SU:  Croasdaile 1 yd TD run. Erby PAT               26:7

4Q SU:  Croasdaile 16 yd TD run. Erby PAT              33:7