Worcester Royals 0 @ Warwick Wolves 22

Warwick Wolves played their first home game of the season this weekend and they left the field victorious.

In the first half the Wolves performed well on both sides of the ball. The defence clamped down on Worcester and the offence had some long drives that showed the strength and determination they had so far lacked in the season. Running-backs Matt Turner, Tinodiwa Charamba and Dan Evans really stepped up and forced their way through Worcester’s defence. Quarter-back Tyam Kroon also found his stride, pulling off some good, long-range passes and then topping it off with a sneak into the end zone for Warwick’s first touchdown. The two points were then caught by Simon Kroll. In the second quarter Matt Turner punched his way in for the second touchdown and then proceeded to also catch the two points.

The Wolves then had a lapse in concentration. The offence started fumbling as well as throwing a couple of interceptions. There were also at least three drives which should have ended in a touchdown but they couldn’t quite force their way in. The defence also gave up some big first-downs that let Worcester out of some hard situations. After shaking themselves off though they got back to their solid playing which finally culminated in Ben Nagle-Taylor catching a fourth quarter punt and returning it behind some impressive blocking for the third touchdown of the game.

Head coach, Phil Rodgers, said the Wolves were the better team on the day and they deserved the win. “A lot of players stepped up today, too many to name. We should have scored more though, 40 points or more, but basic errors kept us out.” He also wanted to say well done to the opposition team who kept going throughout the entire game and showed a lot of heart despite their small numbers.

The MVPs for the game were:

Offence: Tyam Kroon (quarter-back)

Defence: Chris Hill (defensive line – who enjoyed something few lineman do; an interception)

Special Teams: Ben Nagle-Taylor (punt returner)

Rookie: Tinodiwa Charamba (running-back)

Overall: Matt Turner (running-back)

Warwick Wolves 2 @ Oxford Cavaliers 3

The cold was not the only thing bitter after the trench-warfare of today’s game.

In the first quarter Warwick’s offence were plagued with fumbles and couldn’t find their rhythm. The defence looked to be faring much better but after getting bad field-position and giving up a couple of passes Oxford were within field-goal range and narrowly put over the three points.

Despite a fantastic debut performance from running-back Tinodiwa Charamba, whose gazelle-like leaping and deceptive strength kept Oxford guessing, Warwick’s offence struggled to consistently grind-out the needed yards. The defence however were on top form. They took on everything Oxford could think of and matched it. In the second-quarter Mike Van Harten forced Oxford’s quarter-back to fumble for a two-point safety (and if the end zone had been but a few inches deeper it would have been a Josh Tiwana touch-down). The entire defence performed well but lineman Yacine Sekkoum truly showed his strength and ability today.

The rest of the game saw solid defensive performances that kept either side from gaining more than a couple of first downs. In the third quarter Oxford had one more attempt at a field-goal but it hit the posts and their longest pass of the game was called back for a block in the back. The final score thus stood at a heart-wrenching 2-3.

Team captain Alex Marsden praised the defence and rued chances missed but said the emphasis now must be on Wednesday’s training and focusing on moving the ball next Sunday against Worcester Royals; “We’ve gained the experience, now we’ve just got to step it up.” The season is not over!

Warwick Wolves 14 @ Exeter Demons 10

After a hard-hitting game in the mud the Wolves forced home their first win of the season this weekend. Because of a re-scheduling the Wolves had to travel to Exeter, but despite a three-and-a-half hour coach journey they were ready for a fight.

After a change of kick-return formation the wedge opened up a huge gap for Ben Nagle-Taylor to return for an 80-yard touchdown. Then quarter-back Matt McLaughlin found Mike Van Harten wide open in the end zone for the extra two points. The Wolves were up 8-0 after the first two plays.

An aggressive Exeter defence fought back hard and managed to catch the Wolves’ punter in his own end zone for a safety to bring the score to 8-2. Then it became a war of attrition. Both defences threw themselves into the game, battling through the mud to control the line of scrimmage. Warwick’s punting and punt-returns kept the ball in Exeter’s half though and after a period of impressive play Matt Turvey caught a good throw to put in the Wolves’ first offensive points of the season. After an unsuccessful attempt at the extra two the score was 14-2.

It looked as if the Wolves’ defence were well on top of Exeter but a lapse of concentration and a countered blitz gave up an easy touchdown in the fourth quarter. And after a controversial two point conversion the score was tight at 14-10. It was a heart-attack inducing final few minutes but the Wolves’ defence dug themselves back in and the offense kept running hard. So, with the sun setting over the trees, the final whistle went to signal a Wolves victory.

Team captain, Alex Marsden, said he was glad to see the offense find their feet after struggling in previous weeks. He added, “Thanks again to Exeter for the rescheduled match and a well fought, tense game of football.” He is already looking ahead to 2010 though where the Wolves will face a tough five matches in five weeks. Head coach, Phil Rodgers, wanted to put it simply; “The better team won.”

Amidst the celebrations the Wolves do have to say goodbye to quarter-back Matt McLaughlin though. He, unfortunately, has to return to the USA at the end of this term. It has been a pleasure having him and he has made an invaluable contribution to the start of the season.

Finally, with the first win of the season comes the first set of MVP awards. These go to:

Rookie: Charlie Southgate (offensive line)

Special Teams: Tyam Kroon (punter)

Defence: Dave O’Connor (linebacker)

Offense: Matt McLaughlin (quarter-back)

Overall MVPs: Alex Marsden (linebacker and offensive line) and Mike Van Harten (defensive lineman and tight-end). Both left everything on the field, hitting hard and playing tough on both sides of the ball.