NORWICH DEVILS 18-18 Oxford Saints

Sunday 13th April 2008

The Norwich Devils kept their two year unbeaten home record but had to settle for a tie in the opening game of the 2008 season. The Devils started strongly, stopping the Saints on their opening drive before marching down the field on an eight play 71-yard opening drive which culminated in a five yard touchdown run from running back RODNEY BONTON. The extra point kick never got off as the hold for the kick was fumbled. In the second quarter the Devils extended their lead after TRAVIS SIMMONS recovered an Oxford fumble on their own 13 yard line to give the Devils superb field position. On the next play, running back JAMES ANDERSON rushed in for the score. This time DAUNTE SALOYS extra point kick attempt was blocked to leave the score 12-0 in the Devils favour. Oxford hit back just before half-time with an 11 play scoring drive, capped off by a one-yard run from BRIAN MYERS. The Saints then went for a two point conversion but cam up short thanks to a strong tackle from Devils linebacker CHUCK POPE. However, following a 33-yard kick-off return from GUY DAVIES, the Devils started their next drive in Saints territory, and took just five plays to increase their lead back to two scores when quarter-back TROY SCHMIDGALL hit receiver JOE KONIECZNY with a 20-yard scoring pass. This time the Devils went for a two-point conversion but SCHMIDGALL’S pass fell incomplete to leave the score 18-6 at the half. In the second half the weather took a turn for the worse, and the stormy conditions made life difficult. On their opening drive the Devils gave the ball up on their own four-yard line when their punter had to scramble and was brought down in the backfield. Oxford then capitalised four plays later when MYERS again went in from one yard. Again the Saints went for the two-pointer and again it was POPE who came up with the stop for Norwich. Deep into the fourth quarter the Saints managed to level up the game when CHRIS TAYLOR scored on a six-yard run. The Saints then had the chance to go in front for the first time, but their conversion again failed when JASON SHORTEN came up with the vital tackle.

NORWICH DEVILS 22 - 6 Southern Sundevils

4th May 2008

The Norwich Devils maintained their two year unbeaten home record with a good performance. The visitors wasted no time in opening the scoring when Tim Iles ran in for a nine-yard touchdown on their first offensive play. The Sundevils then attempted a two point conversion, but Iles was stopped short by a strong tackle from Norwich linebacker MIKE BROWN. The devils drove 76 yards for the tieing score in the second quarter when TRAVIS SIMMONS ran in from two yards out. PLAYFORDS extra point kick was blocked so the scores remained tied at 6-6. On their opening drive of the second half, Norwich took the ball 63 yards on 15 plays to go ahead for the first time on a three yard run from quaterback TROY SCHMIDGALL. The Devils went for the two point conversion and JAMES ANDERSON ran in to increase the lead. On the second play of their next drive Southern quarterback Jonathan Baynham went for the big pass, but was intercepted by Norwich cornerback MARTIN RAY. Two plays later SCHMIDGALL found receiver JOE KONIECZNY for an 11 yard touchdown pass. ANDERSON again ran in the two point conversion to make it 22-6. Neither team was able to score in the final quater, leaving the Devils unbeaten after their first two games. They now have to wait four weeks for their next game at Kent Exiles, who opened their campaign with a win against Ipswich Cardinals.