LSU Fighting Tigers v Louisianna Tech Game Review Saturday 14th

Next up for the Fighting Tigers was a state rivalry game against Louisianna Tech, to be played in Deaf Valley. Bragging rights were up for grabs in Baton Rouge.

First Quarter: The Tigers would force LTech to punt on their first possession, this allowed the Tigers to put some points on the board. A nine play 47 yard drive would bring LSU to the LTech 35 yard line. Josh Jasper would tac on the field goal and give the Tigers a 3-0 lead with 9min 08sec left. LTech would hit right back when they pushed the ball to the LSU 13 yard line. Matt Nelson would score with his own 30 yard attempt, the game now tied 3-3 with 4min 23sec left in the quarter. LSU would end the quarter ahead, a 79 yard drive was capped by a 25 yard run by Williams and a 38 yard catch from LaFell, who dived over the endzone. LSU 10-3 ahead with 1min 55sec left.

Second Quarter: Each team traded punts, as no one was able to take control of the quarter in the initial stages. However with 4min 32sec left LTech would get on the board. LTech marched 43 yards in 11 plays down field to set up a 33 yard field goal by Nelson. The LSU lead cut to 10-6. LTech would take the lead after driving the ball close to the LSU endzone. On a fourth and 2 from the 1 yard line, Porter would take the snap and pass the ball to Morris for the touchdown. LTech's 13-10 halftime lead was the first time that had happened since 1904.

Third Quarter: Another couple of punt's traded until LSU took control. Starting at their own 41 yard line the Tigers would drive the ball all the way down field to LTech's 3 yard line. LaFell would then pass to Williams to score his first TD of the game. LSU were now ahead 17-13 with 6min 59sec left in the quarter. The teams then traded drives, but each one ended with a punt.

Fourth Quarter: LSU would seal the game half way through the final quarter, using the running game LSU would bring the ball to the 9 yard line through runs from Williams and Shepard. Williams, with the ball, would bounce of the left end and beat the defenders to the goal line. The extra point from Jasper would put LSU ahead 24-16 with 7min 01sec to go. LTech tried hard but were unable to get into a scoring position on their next possession. LTech would, however, advance the ball to the LSU 10 yard line, unable to complete they settle for a field goal. Nelson came onto the field to convert a 36 yard field goal to make the scores 24-16 with just 25sec to play. The win ensuring LSU are back to winning ways.

Highlights:

Florida Gators vs South Carolina Saturday 14th November

Next up for the Gators was a trip to Columbus to face South Carolina, this would conclude the Gators SEC schedule for this season.

First Quarter: The Gators got off the the perfect start, their defense holding the Gamecocks to a quick three and out on their first drive. Tim Tebow quickly connected with Cooper to score the first touchdown of the game. The 68 yard pass gave the Gators a 7-0 lead just 2min56sec into the game. This catch would equal Cooper's longest to date. With no time to relax the South Carolina offense responded straight away. Driving the ball 81 yards on 14 plays over 6min 31sec. Brian Maddox going over on a one yard rush to even the score, with just 5min51sec in the first stand. This would be the first time the Gators had conceded a touchdown in the first quarter all season. The last points of the quarter would be scored by the Gators, with 1min 18sec to go Sturgis connected with a 32 yard field goal. This capped an 11 play 61 yard drive.

Second Quarter: Another quick start for the Gators in the second quarter would see them go back into the lead. With 10min 28sec gone, Emmanuel Moody would score his first TD of the season. A 17 yard carry from a pass from Tebow would cap a 70 yard drive, and put the Gators ahead 17-7. The Gators defence would then force the first turnover of the game, but the offence would be unable to capitalise. After a missed field goal South Carolina would bring the ball 65 yards downfield on eight plays. Garcia would find Saunders in the back corner of the Gators endzone for a nine yard touchdown pass. With just over 2mins left in the half, scores were now 17-14 to the Gators.

Third Quarter: On the Gators first drive of the second half, they would drive the ball to USC's 37 yard line, and on a fourth down Sturgis would attempt the field goal. Sadly he was to miss for the second time in the game. Another Gator drive was halted when USC's defence came up big, after Brandon James had returned the punt for 49 yards the Gators were unable to score.

Fourth Quarter: USC would march 49 yards downfield on ten plays early in the fourth quarter, but the Gator defence held firm. This defence would turn to attack when Trattou collected an interception and return the ball from the Gator 21 yard line, the 53 yard return would set the Gators up to score. Tebow scored a one yard run by himself to make the scores 24-14 with 13min 25sec left in the game. Sturgis was unable to connect with the 29 yard field goal for his third miss of the game.

Attendance: 79,297

Highlights:

Phoenix v Peterborough 14th November Game Review

Last saturday saw the Phantoms come to the Ice Dome for the first time this season. The reigning champions came to Altrincham with a team, on paper, a weaker side. However as with any team in this league a win can never be guaranteed! This being Children In Need night saw the Phoenix wearing some very striking special shirts! The Phoenix headed into this game at the top of the table after a four point previous weekend. The game would also see Stephen Wall back in the Ice Dome after filling in for Stephen Murphy for a couple of games the previous season.

First Period: The way the Phantoms came at the Phoenix in the first place did not justify their league placing. The game was played at the usual high octane pace that has come to typify the EPL. Thankfully, and for the first time in ages, the Phoenix would end the period ahead. The first goal would come only 2min 01sec into the game. The lanky Ben Wood broke down the left wing, and found Ian Bowie who wrapped around the net very quickly and slotted the puck past Stephen Wall. More good news was to come for the Phoenix, with just 9min on the clock the lead was doubled. Excellent link play between the old masters, messers Hand and Courtney found Adam Walker free on the net to score.

Second Period: After such a good start it was important for the Phoenix not to throw the game now. As expected the Phantoms came out hard and pressed the Phoenix. Stephen Fone doing his best, and with the Phoenix D helping out the Phoenix managed to deal with most of the Phantom attack. That even includes some pretty hairy defending that had everyone on the edge of their seats!

Third Period: With the Phoenix a mere 20mins from a victory, they got off to the best possible start. At 46min 51sec Jakko Hagleberg finally got on the scoresheet. Jaakko scoring after doing everything put so far in the game! A massive celebration followed as it was clear Jaakko was quickly loosing his cool. Phoenix minds must have temporarily switched off as the Phantoms staged a 2min fightback, which had those in the stands biting their nails! The first, on the powerplay, came at 50min 27sec when Warren Tait, fired the puck right through Fone. Then further anxiety was to follow when the Phantoms would score again at 51min 48sec. With the Phantoms pressing, and spending most of the time in the Phoenix zone, an audible sigh of relief and a massive roar would accompany the Phoenix 4th goal of the night. At 58min 42sec Ed Courtney would ensure a Phoenix victory.

Verdict: A tough game for the Phoenix against the reigning champions, and bar a few tense moments the Phoenix delt with that threat. A big thanks must go out to the large Phantom support, they made lots of noise supporting their team!

Attendance: Helped by a large travelling contingent, probably the best crowd of the season. Ill say over 1,000 in the Dome.

Phoenix TV Highlights:


The following night, the Phoenix travelled to Sheffield for a tough game against the Scimitars. Despite falling behind the Phoenix would chalk up another 4 point weekend with a win.

Scimitars 2 - Phoenix 5 - MEN Article

LSU Fighting Tigers v Alabama Game Review Satirday 07th November

LSU faced a tough game against number 3 ranked Alabama last saturday night, it would prove to be a difficult game for the Tigers as they were missing running back Charles Scott, then loosing starting QB Jefferson during the second half.

First Quarter: Alabama would begin the game by winning the toss and deferring possession until the second half. LSU would receive the ball from the kick off. Both sides would struggle to gain the upper hand with both defences stopping each advance. With just 23sec left in the quarter LSU would begin, what was to become their first scoring drive.

Second Quarter: Continuing the early drive of the first quarter LSU would drive the ball 91 yards in 13 plays for Peterson to score the first TD of the game. With the extra point LSU lead 7-0 with 9min 12sec gone. Alabama would immediately strike back, with a 40 yard kickoff return, freshman running back Richardson would spark the drive with an 11 yard run to the LSY 34 yard line. With two missed plays into the endzone Alabama would settle for a 28 yard field goal from Leigh Tiffin. With 5min 52sec to go LSU lead 7-3.

Third Quarter: Alabama would signal their intentions during the opening drive of the second half. An 81 yard, 8 play drive would result in a 21 yard touchdown pass from McElroy to Hanks. With 11min 40sec Alabama had taken the lead 10-7. LSU hit back with some pressure and forced Alabama defensive tackle Drake Nevis to xall a safety on a third and 9. An intentional grounding call on McElroy would give LSU some points. 5min 55sec to go in the quarter and the scores were now 10-9 in favour of Alabama. The next LSU drive would result in a score, an offside penalty on Alabam brought LSU to the Alabama 8 yard line. Ridley, who replaced Scott took a handoff from Lee who found a hole and bounced through for the score. An attempted two point conversion was missed, but LSU had now taken the lead 15-10 with 3min 19sec left in the third.

Fourth Quarter: Alabama would hit right back, Ingram would carry the ball on two runs of 23 and 10 yards to the LSU 20 yard line. A further advance to the LSU 2 yard line but were stopped in their tracks. Alabama would have to settle for a 20 yard field goal, deficit now narrowed to 15-13 with 12min 35sec in the game. Alabama would grab the lead on the next offensive play. Jones caught a short pass from McElroy who then rushed for 73 yards for a touchdown. Richardson would successfully score the two point conversion which would give the Tide a 21-15 lead with 10min 24sec to play. LSU were unable to score on their next two possessions and this would haunt the Tigers. Alabama would seal the game with a 40 yard field goal by Tiffin, final scores 24-15.

Attendance: 92,012

Highlights:

Floirda Gators v Vanderbuilt Saturday 07th November

Next up for the Gators, and hopefully another win in the Gators, so far, perfect season, would be the visit of Vanderbuilt.

First Quarter: A slow start in The Swap saw both teams exchanging punts, however it would be the Gators who would score first. With one minute left in the quarter Caleb Sturgis would score a 27 yard fieldgoal. The field goal came after a 13 olay 75 yard drive that included a 14 yard reception from David Nelson, and a 21 yard catch by Hernandez. Scores 3-0 to the Gators after the first quarter.

Second Quarter: The Gators defence would turn to attack when Ryan Stamper would pick off a Mackenzi pass and return the ball 18 yards to set up a 25 yard Jeff Demps touchdown. With the extra score the Gators were now up 10-0. The Gators defence continued to hold firm and with 6min 08sec to go Sturgis would again find the uprights on a 45 yard effort.

Third Quarter: Vanderbuilt ensured it was not a whitewash when Ryan Fowler scored a 32 yard field goal. This was the result of some great defence forcing the Gators to thee and out on its first possession. This reduced the margin to 13-3 Gators. The Gators extended their lead with 1min 52 left in the quarter. The Gators marched down the field on a 64 yard 11 play drive. Tebow would then rush for one yard and score the 52nd TD of his career.

Fourth Quarter: The Gators would score again through a Vanderbuilt error. Punter Brett Upson would take a knee after receiving the snap on their own 13 yard line, this would result in a 14 yard loss and a turnover of possession. Tebow would then launch an 8 yard pass to Nelson which extended the Gator lead to 27-3.

Attendance: 90,694

Highlights:
To come......

Phoenix v Bracknell 07th November Game Revie

The Bees came to town last at the weekend for a rare saturday night game at the Ice Dome, the only previous game between the clubs seeing the Phoenix take the points in Bracknell.

First Period: For the first 10 minutes the game was pretty even, both sides working hard but not many clear cut chances. The Bees then shocked the Phoenix by taking control, the first goal coming at 9min 47sec for Jaroslav Cesky. The Phoenix continued to struggle and the Bison extended their lead after 13min 49sec through Michal Pinic. Worrying times for the Phoenix, while they had restricted the chances for the Bees, the Bees had at least taken them. The Phoenix had yet to make any clear cut opportunities.

Second Period: What ever Tony Hand said in the interval worked, it took just 1min 10sec of the period for the Phoenix to get on the board. Ed Courtney scoring for the Phoenix with the assist to Tony Hand. Phoenix' second of the night summed up the frustration that is Ed Courtney, a sublime pass cross ice found Ian Bowie on the back post to even the scores. Now 2-2 after 23min 21sec. The Phoenix mini-revolution would be short lived as the Bees would get the next goal. Ryan Watt scoring the Bees third at 23min 35sec. Ed Courtney would level the scores once again at 28min 50sec.

Third Period: With some questionable refereeing this game really could go any team's way at the beginning of the third. By no the Phoenix had the bit between their teeth, and perhaps the extra quality on the Phoenix bench began to shine through. The final 20 minutes would see the Phoenix score 5 goals to take the game away from the Bees. The first would be the Phoenix third powerplay goal of the game. Ian Bowie netting his second of the game at 43min 04sec. Bowie would go on and get his hatrick at 44min 44sec. With the Bees goalie visibly shaken, and with the Phoenix support unsettling him the Phoenix really took control. Phoenix 6th goal would come at 45min 47sec through Robert Lachowicz. James Neil would be next to get on the score sheet, his goal coming at 47min 34sec. Lachowicz would pop up and get his second and the Phoenix last of the game at 52min 02sec. With the scores now 8-3 to the Phoenix, Adam Summerfield would get a valuable 8 minutes of ice time. The Bees also taking the opportunity to send their back up nettie out on the ice.

Verdict: After the first period you did start to worry whether the Bees would cause an upset at the Ice Dome. But an improved second period and a stunning third underlined the quality in the Phoenix locker room.

Attendance: A combination of a saturday night game and bonfire night affected crowd numbers. I'll guess at around 850 in the Ice Dome.

Highlights:


After the battling back from the first period and getting the win, the Phoenix traveled to Milton Keynes for a top of the table clash. It would turn out to be a close game, but the Phoenix skated away with a 3-2 victory and a place at the top of the table. So a great weekend for the Phoenix!!

LSU Fighting Tigers vs Tulane Game Review Saturday 31st October

Next up for the fighting Tigers was the visit of Tulane, with LSU 7-1 and Tulane 2-6 on paper this should be an easy game for LSU in the Bayou.

First Quarter: LSU subjected Tulane to some early pressure and the first touchdown came by way of a blocked punt by Tulane. The punt was blocked on the Tulane 28 yard line and Stefoin Francois recovered the ball at the 23 yard line. Two plays later and Shepard scored a 19 yard touchdown. The pressure continued and with 2min 32sec left in the quarter LSU were to score again. After a Tulane punt Scott got LSU to the 39 yard line with runs of 9 and 15 yards. On a third and ten Jefferson found LaFell in the endzone to give LSU a lead of 14-0 in the first quarter.

Second Quarter: The teams traded punts and possession until the Tigers took the ball at their own 26 yard line. The team drove the ball to the 18 yard line, and after a 14 yard pass to Rueben Randle, Scott then powered over from the 4 yard line, for a 21-0 lead for LSU.

Third Quarter: Following a 50 yard punt, Holliday return the ball to the Tulane 20 yard line, and Scott would run three times, culminating in an 8 yard touchdown run. Scores now 28-0 in favour of LSU.

Fourth Quarter: LSU did not let up in the final quarter, and stuck with their running game. Scott, Jefferson and Williams would then combine for 44 yards to set up a 13 yard pass to LaFell. Under pressure LaFell would catch the ball at the 1 yard line reach over the goaline before going out of bounds. With just 9min 55sec to play LSU lead 35-0. With Lee at quarterback Ridley would cut through Tulane eigth times for 73 yards, but his efforts were rewarded with a 10 yard touchdown run with 1min12sec to go. Final scores 42-0 to LSU.

Highlights: