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The Redditch Arrows opened their 2003 season with a trip south to take on a strong Bristol Aztecs team, who like the Arrows had been
playing in Division 1 last season.
The Aztecs took the early initiative based on strong running game, strengthened by their recent signing of ex NFL Europe and Kansas
City Chiefs Running Back Kofe Campbell. Campbell showed his experienced by breaking open the Arrows defense on a 56 yard rush to give the home team a 6-0 lead. The Arrows immediately
responded however when following a good return on the kick –off by Karl Watkins, the Arrows moved down the field culminating in a 15 yard pass from Richard Wilde to Rob Mann to level the
scores up at 6-6. The first quarter then ended with a further Aztecs 3yard scoring run from Abdulganui Saro to give the home team the advantage once again.
The second quarter saw the Aztecs strengthen their lead on another Saro 3 yard run. This time however the Arrows immediately responded when
Arrows stalwart Anthony Perkins returned the ensuing kick off 65 yards to reduce the Aztecs lead to 18-12.
The Aztecs however completed their first half domination by Saro's third score of the day, again from 3 yards out which coupled with a 2
point conversion gave them a deserved 26-12 half time lead.
The second half started with the Arrows in more determined mood, and which saw them begin to get a grip on the Aztecs rushing attack. This
was rewarded when mid way through the fourth quarter, Wild again hooked up with Rob Mann for a 8 yard TD reception.
Bristol took over the ball and tried to put together a drive which would run out the clock. Thanks to a series of Aztec penalties the
Arrows managed to hold them out and got the ball with 1minutes 35 seconds on the clock. The Arrows managed to move the ball to mid field before the clock beat them with a final score of
26-18.
On offense the standout players were Rob Mann with 5 receptions for 43 yards and 2 touchdowns, Richard Wilde completing 7 passes from 11
attempts for 68 yards and Dave Mills 36 yards on 9 carries.
On Defense, Andy McAnneny had 6 solo and 1 assisted tackle, Errol Perkins had 4 -0 with a sack, Richard Fraser 3 solo, and Karl
Watkins 3 solo 1 assisted and a 65 yard interception on a Aztecs 2PAT attempt.
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