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The Redditch Arrows continued their winning ways with a hard
fought victory over spirited Oxford Saints on Sunday. The Arrows going into the game as newly crowned Divisional champions started hesitantly with its offense struggling to move the ball and
its defense failing to stop Oxfords running attack. The home team paid for this when mid way through the first quarter Oxford were rewarded for their early initiative when they went in on a 4
yards run for a 6-0 lead.
The second quarter saw the Arrows finally get into the game, with both offense and defense beginning to show the
form that it is capable of. A fine Arrows drive left them with the chance to level the scores when they were parked on the Saints 1 yard line. Taking no chances Arrows QB Dave Stanton handed
off to Anthony Perkins who jinked his way into the end zone to tie up the game. A successful PAT from Jon Riddell gave the home team the narrow lead.
The half ended in dramatic fashion. The Saints getting the ball on their own 20 yard line with less than 3 minutes
to go went to the air and quickly drove the length of the field. With 4 seconds left on the clock a 20 yard pass was completed in the end zone to give the visiting Saints a 12-7 lead at the
half.
The second half saw the Arrows start in more determined mood. On the opening drive a long Kick Off return from
Perkins gave the Arrows the ball deep in the Saints half on the 28 yard line. On fourth and 3 from the 6 yard line, the Arrows gambled and hit pay dirt when Perkins went in for his second
touchdown of the game on a 6 yard run. The Arrows went for the 2 point conversion and with another successful Perkins run opened up a 3 point lead at 15-12.
The Saints were now going to the air with some success in an attempt to get back into contention. However key
interceptions from Mortimer and Slimming made sure the Arrows kept their noses in front. With 4 minutes to go in the game Perkins made the victory safe when in went in on a 67 yard run on the
play off the game to make the final score 22-12.
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