BNU Buccaneers once again ground out the tough yards, but fell victim to a hard-nosed Portsmouth defence that created turnovers and stops time and again.
BNU put up huge yards (239 in comparison to 177 against Pompey) for the second game in a row, but problems holding onto the football restricted their scoring. Both teams also struggled with penalties as they combined for 16 penalties overall for 142 yards.
As a deadlocked first quarter drew to a close Portsmouth gifted BNU the first points of the game when a bad snap on a punt led to a safety. BNU got the ball back for the beginning of the 2nd quarter and promptly turned it over on downs after going for it on 4th and 3 from their own 23.
Portsmouth took immediate advantage of the turnover, punching the ball in on second down with a Tomi Olusanya run. Olusanya also ran the ball in for the two point conversion to give Portsmouth a six point lead.
The Portsmouth TD opened the floodgates as each team traded touchdowns on their next two drives. The Buccaneers answered first with a touchdown drive of their own set up by a good return on the kickoff. Durwayne Watson ran the ball in for the touchdown and Danny Wallace converted the two point attempt.
Portsmouth were helped on the next kickoff with a face cage penalty called on BNU, giving them the ball on the 35 yard line. Three plays later and QB Simon Blow ran the ball in from 25 yards out.
BNU’s hopes of going into half time with the lead were dashed by a period of play just before half time. Portsmouth scored their third touchdown of the game after another short drive, Folahanmi Dare with the touchdown (two point conversion failed).
On the subsequent kick off the BNU returner fumbled the ball and the Destroyers recovered. They took full advantage of the short field again with Dare scoring on the very next play. The half ended with the National Champion Destroyers leading 26-10.
Poor discipline hampered both teams in the second half and each defence stepped up to keep the game scoreless all the way through to the end of the 3rd quarter. As with the first half the second half ended with high drama. A Hail Mary throw inside the two minute warning gave BNU the ball on the Portsmouth 3 yard line and after a fumble and recovery BNU scored on a short run play from Danny Wallace, which brought them within 10 points of the Destroyers.
BNU then attempted and recovered an onside kick, but promptly threw the ball straight back to Portsmouth who knelt the game out as 26-16 winners.
BNU will gain confidence after two strong showings against the toughest teams on their schedule, there offence being a huge positive for them. Other teams around the league will be looking on with trepidation at the strong showing from the National Champions who look set to make yet another run at a championship game.
No comments:
Post a Comment