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Redditch Arrows playing in their first home game of the regular season fell to a second straight loss in a close 12-0 defeat
to top of the table Gateshead Senators. Despite controlling the game for much of its duration the Arrows were unable to capitalise on the scoring opportunities they created and Gateshead managed scores
in the first quarter and late on in the game to sew up the result.
The game started with both teams having difficulty in moving the ball mainly due to both teams excellent defensive units. Gateshead however eventually
managed to put together their best drive of the game mid way through the first quarter going 80 yards downfield which was completed on a 4 yard rush from John Harrison for the opening score and a 6-0
lead. The Arrows immediately responded and for the remainbder of the half consistently moved the ball into good field position only to see their efforts stopped at the last gasp by the Senators. The
Arrows twice had the ball within their opponents 5 yard line on first down only to see the Gateshead defense hold firm and deny the home team.
The second half started with more Arrows pressure when a dropped pass by their receiver when wide open stopped an almost certain score, and more
pressure again saw Redditch inside the Senators 5 yard line on first down which again was stopped by the Gateshead defense.
Gateshead finally made the Arrows pay for these mistakes by controlling the ball for the majority of the fourth quarter going 70 yards and a 1 yard
rush from Lee Fraser on the two minute warning.
Individual performances included Anthony Perkins 50 yards rushing on 10 carries and a 56 yard kick-off return, Karl Watkins 7 unassisted tackles,
Anthony Watson 4 unassisted tackles and Chris Cunnane 3 unassisted and 3 assisted tackles.
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