Blackhawks tame the Bobcats
Clyde Valley Blackhawks have qualified for the British American Football Association National Leagues Division 2 North play-off semi-final, after a hard-fought win over Leeds Bobcats on Sunday.
Blackhawks won the quarter-final 26-8 against a strong Leeds side at Beltane Park in Wishaw, in what was a gruelling defensive battle.
A constant downpour of rain took its toll on the field, which led to an emphasis on the run game, as both teams then struggled to move the ball with much effect in the first quarter.
The Blackhawks offence began driving, completing passes to wide receiver Robbie Mccrory to set up running back Shaun Bennie for the touchdown and a six-point lead, after the conversion attempt was blocked.
Struggling to move the ball on offence, with their rushing attempts thwarted by line-backer Tam Chapman and their receivers finding it hard to catch the wet ball on passing plays, Leeds pinned the Clyde Valley offense in their own five-yard line after an excellent punt.
A shortage of space around quarterback Gary Orr led to pressure from the Bobcats’ defensive line and forced an interception, which was subsequently ran back to put Leeds on level terms.
The Yorkshire side converted on their two-point attempt after the score with a short pass to their wide receiver, to put them 8-6 ahead.
That lead was short-lived, as Blackhawks wide receiver Scott Jannoway returned the kick-off 85 yards for a touchdown, in an instant reply on the next play of the game, which put Clyde Valley into a 12-8 lead after the failed two-point conversion.
After half-time, Blackhawks were looking to extend their lead and did by only two points after cornerback Matthew Mulheron took down the Leeds quarterback in his own end zone for a safety.
Leading 14-8 heading into the final quarter, the Wishaw side’s defence intercepted the Bobcats quarterback, which gave the ball to the offence in a favourable position on the field.
After some powerful runs by the Blackhawks running backs, quarterback Orr connected with Mccrory to add another touchdown and stretch the lead to 20-8.
The brutal conditions made it almost impossible for the Bobcats to move the ball on offence, in what was a frustrating day for the visitors.
After a forced fumble by defensive end Craig Campbell, the loose ball was scooped up by Clyde Valley’s linebacker Stuart Gilmour to take it in for the score, to put Blackhawks out of sight going into the remaining minutes of the game.
Clyde Valley Blackhawks now face number two seed Halton Spartans at the Halton Stadium in Widnes on Sunday, in what will be another big test for the Lanarkshire side.