Jocey Neligwa
As the storm rolled in overnight, the winds rushed and rain poured with no remorse, a force to be reckoned with was brewing with anticipation for a game under the lights like no other, was UON American Football.
The big UON Sport Headliner was set for Saturday the 7th December, on home turf for UON Nottingham Gold vs Loughborough (LBR).
It was a great testament of organisers, the fans and the team, for an amazing evening of sportsmanship and athleticism, through Storm Darragh.
Before we delve deeper into the game, we can discuss the amazing awareness that the Headliner brought towards Men’s Mental Health, #Men’s Health Active and the participation of many involved in the program, running off the back for Movember in the previous month. This has supported the wellbeing of many students and athletes and the importance of having the space together to talk and how sports can benefit our wellbeing.
Captains Abdulhadi Sherif (#80), Tosin Teriba (#60), Fletcher Cornwall (#55), Dan Schofield (#40) led them out through a shiny spectacle of green and gold pom poms. You could already feel the atmosphere from the fan support and respective sidelines.
1st Quarter: (UON 7-0)
After the coin toss, Loughborough started with a kick-off to UON to receive. It was time for the Gold offense to set the mark – running back Luca Garner-Beyon (#29) gained the first down for gold on 2nd & 6. After securing the first down, with scholar Nick Mueller (#63) centering the ball, the beautifully executed motion play from quarterback Dylan Cadwallader (#10) landing in receiver Jonathon Mbanefo hands (#4) led to a thrilling touchdown, who drove 70 yards down field at incredible speed. Highlighting the strong block from the scholar receiver Silas Starr (#19), clearing the path for a great start to the first quarter. The extra point was claimed with a field goal, with a clean kick from Luke Roberts (#9) in blustery conditions.
Second Quarter (UON 22-0)
Going into the second with 7-0, with a strong start from the Nottingham Side. Loughborough returned their efforts on offense, with big play four minutes into the second quarter, thanks to receiver #6, taking them down field for the first down. After attempting run plays until third down, it was not long until Nottingham, regained the ball thanks to an interception/pick from safety Louis Groom (#33) part of the strong defence. The offence continued to make their impact on the night, with receptions from Starr, Finley Old (#13), Emmanuel Eze (#88) taking them downfield. The second touchdown of the night came from Finley Old, following a smooth rollout from Cadwallader, and #13 finding the endzone and Roberts securing the extra point. The ambience was picking up and roars from the crowds of support rang louder than the heavy winds. LBR’s special team on return got them a strong start to the second half of the quarter, gaining possession from Robert’s punt, setting a great opportunity up for the offense, with multiple strong catches to gain yards.
Nottingham’s defence displayed a valiant effort throughout the game with bold tackles and strong coverage keeping Loughborough’s attempts at bay, with near picks from LB Frank Godfrey (#7). The third touchdown of the night came from Nottingham’s RB Garner-Beyon (#29), with Starr and Old gaining first downs on the drive, the run play, enlivening the crowds, with strong blocks from the offensive line and receivers towards the end zone.
Driving the score up to 22-0, with the 2pt conversion coming from scholar safety Garrett Pittman, who ran the ball into the endzone, diving into the pylon in incredible fashion, from the fake punt set up. Loughborough had possession in the last few seconds of the first half with some strong catches up to the endzone, however fell short but with great effort from the side. With a secure defensive line and coverage from gold’s defence, set them up for a positive start into the second half, with 22 points to nil after halftime.
Third Quarter (UON 28-0)
More motion plays were executed well from receiver Eze (#88) and Starr (#19) in the second half with good catches and run plays were well performed from RB Zeke (#26) with strong blocking from the offensive line. Another play from RB Garner-Beyon, secured his second touchdown of the stormy evening with a rushing touchdown, taking the scoreboard to 28-0. As the third quarter progressed, there was big sack from Quinn Williamson (#2) on the defensive line, on the 3rd down for Loughborough. They continued on to a punt, from Loughborough’s Jack Humphrey, who had great kicks throughout the night’s game.
Fourth Quarter & Game (UON 35-0)
In the 4th quarter, highlighting the amazing deep throw from Gold’s quarterback Dylan Cadwallader (#10) landed in the hands of star player of the match receiver #4 Jonathon Mbanefo for his second touchdown of the night, bringing the score to 34-0. With Luke Roberts claiming the extra point, with a high kick, clearing the fence of David Ross. As the fourth quarter progressed with rotations at QB from both sides, the game rounded off at 35-0, for Nottingham to take the win in Storm Darragh, under the lights.
A game for fantastic display of team performance throughout. With a solid and successful defence, offence and special teams throughout the game, the entire club’s dedication to their sport shone bright. The Green and Gold team, who have racked up an impressive 11-0 this season so far, seeks to continue their record and performances into the new year, and look forward to the Varsity game in March. Eagerly awaiting, from what we’ve seen in this game, a team that is truly incredible to watch.
You can rewatch the game over on the BUCS Youtube channel for more.
Jocey Neligwa
Featured image courtesy of [rileyhphotos] via [Unsplash]. Image use license found here (Unsplash). No changes were made to this image.
In article image 1 courtesy of [uonaf] via [Instagram]. No changes were made to this image.
In article image 2 courtesy of [uonaf] via [Instagram]. No changes were made to this image.
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