UEA Pirates progress to semi-finals

Sunday 18th March saw the UEA Pirates travel to Southampton to take on the Solent Redhawks in the BUAFL Challenge Trophy Quarter-Final.

The stakes were high as the losing team would be done for the year, with the winners edging tantalisingly closer to a shot at national glory.
 

Southampton took the ball first, looking to establish an offensive presence, however the UEA defence stood firm, once again anchored by standout Linebacker Ashley Mullin and forced a Solent punt.

The Pirates offence came out of the blocks fast on their first possession, moving the ball against Solent with ease. UEA took an early lead when Receiver Dominic Banks hauled in his third touchdown in as many weeks on a 30yard floating pass from Quarterback Mark Rivett to give UEA a 7 – 0 lead.

Solent refused to buckle after this early setback, emphasising the tough task that lay ahead for UEA. A long patient drive culminating in a short touchdown pass equalised the scores and the teams were deadlocked as the first quarter expired.

The second quarter continued in the same vain with little to separate the two sides. Eventually it was UEA who took the lead, riding running backs Joe Van Der Merwe and Chris Carson. Great Britain man Carson was the man to give the Pirates the lead, continuing his fantastic year by running in from short yardage to put UEA up 13 – 7.

Once again Solent responded straight away, as UEA struggled to deal with their slippery, elusive Quarterback who gained many yards on the ground. Another meticulous drive pushed the Pirates defence back and set up another short passing score for the Redhawks. With a successful conversion Solent held a 14 – 13 lead at the half time break.
 

After a fumble from Carson gave Solent fantastic field position, the UEA defence held firm to start the second half, restricting the Redhawks to only a field goal extending their lead to 17 – 13.

However the Pirates showed their resiliency on the next drive, another long, bursting run from Carson set up Mark Rivett for a 1yard QB sneak to put UEA back in front, the unsuccessful conversion leaving the score 19 – 17.

The fourth quarter was high scoring, but in truth belonged to UEA. Nerves were jangling on the Pirates sideline after Solent took the lead on another drive dominated by Solent’s slick running Quarterback, a 5yard burst from their big fullback gave Solent a 23 – 19 lead.

But then the Pirates really showed their metal, stepping up in a clutch situation. First Rivett connected with receiver Andy Custerson for an 80yard touchdown bomb to put UEA back in front 25 – 23 with seven minutes to play.

After a tense defensive series, which saw Solent drive deep into UEA territory wielded no points and a turnover on downs it was Chris Carson once again who settled the Pirates nerves with a 60yard touchdown run with little over two minutes to play. An interception from Defensive Back Andy Hurley sealed the deal for the Pirates who are now one game away from a shot at a national title.

The Pirates now travel to face the Sheffield Sabers next Sunday (25th) in the BUAFL Challenge-Cup semi final.