Superb Spartans derail Railroaders AMERICAN FOOTBALL
HALTON SPARTANS .................. 44 CREWE RAILROADERS .............. 0
THE Halton Spartans welcomed the Crewe Railroaders to the Select Security Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Railroaders are familiar visitors to the stadium, as the Spartans have played them in each of their three seasons.
The game kicked-off with the Railroaders receiving the ball, and following a good return the Spartans defence took to the field.
Defensive coordinator Simon Grice was unavailable for the game and safety Billy Forrest did a great job filling in the role and had the Spartans’ rearguard firing on all cylinders.
During the first quarter the Spartans’ defence held the Railroaders’ offence on a number of drives resulting in them punting the ball away.
On the other side of the ball, the Halton offence slowly began to click into gear with quarterback Rik Lothion completing passes to Sam Johnson, Tim Parr and Steve Norton.
Despite a few good drives the score remained blank at the end of the opening 15 minutes of play.
On the very first play of the second stanza, running back Paul Leighton rumbled into the endzone for his first touchdown for the Spartans.
Matty Fitzsimons slotted over the point after attempt to establish a 7-0 lead. ●
The Spartans’ defence continued to dominate with lineman Dave Quinn leading the way with a number of tackles and sacks.
With a touchdown in the bag, the Halton offence settled into their stride and following a great 31-yard scamper, running back Craig Owen crossed for a touchdown. Fitzsimons again converted to put Halton up 14-0.
On the next drive the Spartans defence made probably their play of the day.
Following a run up the middle, the Railroaders’ running back was stood up by a swarm of Spartans defenders, allowing defensive lineman Andre ‘Quincy’ Alexander to strip the ball and charge 40 yards downfield towards the endzone with a clutch of Railroaders players in hot pursuit.
Alexander was tackled just short of paydirt and did not get the six-pointer he probably deserved for his efforts.
The Spartans’ offence entered the field but faced a tough goal line stance from the Railroaders and settled for a field goal from Fitzsimons.
The Halton offence put another score on the board before halftime with running back Martin Murphy scoring a touchdown. The Spartans attempted a two point conversion with Leighton unable to collect a well thrown pass from Ricky Talbot and the teams went in at the break with the hosts ahead 23-0.
The second half continued in much the same way as the opening 30 minutes.
On the very first play of the second half, Lothion connected with wide receiver Parr for a 47-yard touchdown pass.
Fitzsimons converted the point after and it was now 30-0.
Shortly after Halton scored again. A great drive capped by a pass from Lothion, who was relishing playing against his old club, to Parr for his second touchdown of the game and another one-pointer off the boot of Fitzsimons increased the advantage to 37-0.
The Spartans’ defence continued to hold the Railroaders who did not really get any traction all day. The standout players for Halton were linemen Dave Quinn and Scott Jenkins who made tackle after tackle.
The final touchdown of the day was a short run by Owen which was again converted by Fitzsimons to put the seal on a brilliant 44-0 triumph.
The Spartans’ coaches, players and fans were very pleased with the win.
Their focus has now switched to the game this Sunday afternoon – a derby encounter against the Chester Romans. Kick-off at the Select Security Stadium is at 2pm and gates open at 1pm.
Concourse bars will be open serving drinks and food, and there are cheerleaders, a halftime competition and a match commentator. Entrance fee is £5 (cash only) for two adults and unlimited U16s.