MUGC Newsletter Edition 1 May 2014 | Page 6

game continued to get yards before a great pass from Jon Chin was tipped by intended receiver Harrison Delai, caught by fellow receiver Sam Temple and run into the end zone for the Royals second score. The PAT attempt was blocked leaving the score at 13-0. The score would remain at 13-0 until half time with neither team making much progress. The Royals regained the ball at their 20 yard line from a touchback on the opening kick-off. The offense continued to make good yards and move the chains with consistency. A huge drop on a long pass on first down proved a missed opportunity with the Miners stuffing the run and forcing a punt. With conditions worsening both teams were finding it hard to move the ball consistently on the ground or through the air. Poor punt coverage by the Royals gave the Miners offense a short field for their next drive. The Royals defence continued their dominance on the series. With the run game going nowhere, defensive tackle Brad John got a huge sack to push the Miners back followed by another sack by defensive tackle Tuati. The secondary played their part too, leaving no receiver open, giving the defensive line time apply pressure. Needing big yardage to get the first down the Miners QB heaved it up field only for strong safety Henry Wright to pick it off. The Miners defence replied in turn, stopping the Royals progress and picking off a pass to give them the ball around mid field Time was running out for the Miners to get points on the board so they took to the air. The defence held their own though, with the smallest of pass tips by free safety Ben Ly breaking up what would have been a touchdown, and forcing the Miners to punt once more. The weather, conditions under foot and fatigue started to affect the play, with sloppy mistakes and penalties stopping the Royals from making progress. A fumble on a run play due to a great hit from the Miners D-tackle gave Royals defence a short field. A big run on the first play put the ball less than 10 yards out and gave the Royals no room for error. An outside run by Miners #27 evaded the tacklers and gave the Miners their first score of 2014. The successful 2 point attempt was brought back for a penalty. The second attempt was unsuccessful. Score 13-6 to the Royals. The Royals offense struggled on the next drive and a high snap on the punt left the defence with a short field once again. After being held to small gains the Miners looked for the big play, attempting to hit the receiver in the corner