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The Redditch Arrows went out of the Play Offs on Sunday going down 22-23 to Sussex Thunder in a cliff hanger.
The Arrows started hesitantly and on an early drive based on an effective passing game the Thunder drove down the
field and went in on a 2 yard rush to open up a 7-0 lead. The Arrows on their next possession stepped up a gear and on the back of strong running from Anthony Perkins reduced the lead to 6-7
when Perkins took the handoff and went into the corner of the end zone on a 12 yard run.
Sussex were still causing the Arrows a lot of problems with their air attack and were rewarded for their endeavors
when they completed a 26 yard pass to re-extend their lead to 14-6.
The Arrows on their next possession were forced to make a change at QB when Dave Stanton limped off with a groin
strain. This disrupted the Arrows offense who had to punt away. The Arrows defense then turned the game on its head, Sussex still using the pass saw a pass intercepted by Arrows Andy McAnenny
who returned the ball 40 yards for a touchdown. This coupled with a successful 2 point PAT tied the game up at 14-14.
Towards the end of the half Sussex again drove strongly up the field but with time running out the Arrows defense
managed to hold them at bay to make the half time score 14-14.
The second half opened with the Arrows putting together a 50 yard drive only to see Sussex come up with their own
interception. Again the Thunder moved the ball and left the Arrows deep in their own half . Sussex's defense then stopped the Arrows on 1st and 2nd down and on 3rd down a bad pitch back was fumbled in the Arrows own end zone and which saw the Arrows concede a safety and re-establish the Thunders lead at 16-14.
Sussex were now on top and on their next possession again went to the air and completed a 31 yard pass to extend
their lead to a commanding 23-14. With 10 minutes to go the Arrows finally started to get back in the match. Arrows QB Dave Stanton came back and put together a long drive which finished
when Perkins went in from 1 yard to reduce the lead to 23-20. Another successful 2 point PAT from Perkins further reduced this to 23-22.
With 6 minutes to go it was now anybodies game. The Arrows defense forced Sussex to punt the ball away and leave the
Arrows the opportunity to take the game. Unfortunately they turned the ball over on downs in midfield. Sussex again tried to run out the clock but the Arrows made use of their time outs to
ensure that the home team would get one last chance at scoring. With 2 minutes to go the Arrows the Arrows started the drive that would decide their season. Unfortunately the Thunder defense
were a match for them and the Arrows failed to make the first down to keep the drive alive and gave the victory to Sussex.
In a game which was a credit to the British game, two very closely matched teams could have won. Sussex with their more balanced attack and
effective air game deserved their win but credit has also to go the Arrows for never saying die and taking to the game right to the final whistle.
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