Oxford hold all the aces
This weekend saw a feast of action for the true sports enthusiast. Both were billed to be tight contests, yet neither turned out to be this way.
So after the Lewis-Rahman side show had been suitably decided, it was time for the perennial powerhouses of the BCAFL North and South Divisions, Loughborough and Oxford, to match up. The game was a re-enactment of last season's College Bowl clash, and was watched by a fervent home crowd.
Oxford's offense fired out of the blocks quickly on Sunday and were unlucky not to score on their first drive of the game.
Loughborough's offense, too, was in no mood to compromise, with some strong crashing runs through the centre by the fullback, Patrick Schweyen, and running back, Leon Cordingley.
All it took was a slight defensive lapse to give Cordingley the opening he needed to run in from 30 yards and open the scoring for the Aces near the end of the first quarter. A successful two point conversion dive gave Loughborough an 8-0 lead entering the second quarter.
The Cavaliers wasted no time in rallying, and came straight back with a vengeance. Great blocking by the line created a 35 yard corridor for running back, Seth Bodnar, to run in for his first touchdown with the Cavaliers. Oxford now trailed by only two points and were clearly in the ascendancy.
There were notable performances in all quarters. A hard hitting defense gave the Loughborough QB a minimal comfort zone to operate in throughout, and picks from Chris Holmsten, Simon Gardener and Luke Bronin obstructed the Aces in opening up a passing game.
A napping Loughborough defense saw two Cav drives converted into two touchdowns. Bodnar struck first, followed by tailback Tim Mulligan, whose mother had flown in all the way from New York to see the game. It was now 18-8 Oxford.
Loughborough began to regain their feet by the beginning of the fourth and managed to pull back a touchdown through RB Steve Gatenby.
The fourth quarter saw another harsh decision going against the Cavs. A penalty was called for a late challenge on QB Danforth when advantage should have been played. This poor decision robbed John Barclay and Oxford of a deserved third touchdown. However their 4 point margin was good enough to see them through to the whistle.
22nd Nov 2001