Crushing defeat kills off momentum created by EK side
The momentum the East Kilbride Pirates had been gradually building in the early part of the season came to a shuddering halt with a 48-0 defeat to Tamworth Phoenix on Sunday.
Phoenix quickly got into their stride and took just six plays to score when running back Elliot Walters finished the drive with a 32-yard carry. Alex Lenkowski added the extra point.
EK again went three-and-out and had to punt. Tamworth’s second possession brought their second TD. Just four plays needed this time before Walters scored again from 19 yards and Lenkowski converted.
Things got worse for Pirates. A fumbled exchange between quarterback Neil Baptie and running back Scott Widdowson was recovered and returned 17 yards to the house by Raphael Omozusi, followed by Lenkowski’s point after.
Phoenix QB Patrick Daley connected with Marcus Boswell for another TD which Lenkowski again converted. Tamworth’s next possession started inside EK territory and once more concluded with a score – Daley found Adam Hennessey from five yards.
Phoenix tried to go for a two-point conversion but Lenkowski’s pass attempt was broken up by Andy Shaw.
Pirates suffered another blow with the last play of the half. Daley and Hennessey for a second time connected from short yardage and Lenkowski converted to leave EK on the wrong end of a 41-0 score at the break.
Daley completed his day’s work when he passed to Ben Burslem from 23 yards. Lenkowski duly converted to conclude the scoring.
The Pirates must quickly regroup as they face Merseyside Nighthawks this weekend. The Nighthawks, who defeated the Pirates twice last season, arrive at Hamilton Rugby Club on Sunday at 2.30pm. That game is preceded by the Pirates junior side taking on Highland Wildcats at noon.
The club’s two youth teams had a much better weekend at a tournament in Inverness on Saturday.
Pirates’ reigning British Under-17s champions were overall winners, notching up wins over sister team the Hamilton Buccaneers, the Edinburgh Wolves and their first-ever victory over Highland Wildcats at their own home ground.
Buccaneers finished third with a strong win over the Wolves and competitive games with the Pirates and Wildcats.