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.

Warwick Wolves 0 @ Bath Killer Bees 28

In the freezing cold and icy rain it was once again not to be Warwick’s day.

First of all, the terrible weather effectively shut down Warwick’s planned passing game. Then returning running back Duncan Palmer, after some initial, powerful gains, went out after just two series with a potentially broken hand. Others were still carrying injuries from the previous week which hindered their performance.

With Warwick’s offence unable to consistently find their stride the defence had to step up. However, despite some very solid and physical defending, they could not quite get a handle on a few of Bath’s plays. Bath exploited this and put in a touch-down a quarter to finish the game with 0-28 win.

Warwick’s head coach Phil Rodgers said he felt the result was not entirely unexpected due to all the injuries that had weakened the team. The score should not be seen as a reflection of the Wolves’ abilities. It was a good opportunity to get on players who hadn’t had the chance to play before and to install new defensive formations.

A quick mention should go to Mike Van Harten. He played both ways this week; at defensive end and tight end. He managed to make big plays on both sides of the ball and his team mates were proud of his performance.

Next week though, all injuries will have to be shaken off and a long coach journey endured as the Wolves head off to face Exeter Demons for a season-defining game.