Oxford Saints 24  Redditch Arrows 7

Sunday 10th April 2005

Hopes of another undefeated season for the Redditch Arrows were dashed with a loss in the opening game of their 2005 campaign away at Oxford.

Oxford Quarterback Mayers used his receivers to good effect with all their scoring coming through the air.

A 43yard pass from Mayers for the first score set the tone with some fine running after the catch by WR Watts. The Redditch secondary lay strewn in his wake as several missed tackles contributed to the score.

The highlight of the 1^st Quarter for Redditch saw the efforts of rookie WR Phil Grove denied after a 15 yard gain on a reverse was called back on a penalty.

Defense dominated the 2^nd Quarter as Redditch began to find their form of last season. As half time approached Oxford were threatening to score and the Arrows defense rose to the challenge, stopping their opponents inside the 20.

With only seconds remaining a fumble gifted the ball back to Oxford and gave them an opportunity to extend their lead. This time there was no defiant defensive stand and a pass over the middle to TE Losos gave the Saints a 12:0 lead at the half.

A change of quarterback for the second half saw the Arrows performance improve somewhat. QB Phil de Cassan making his first start for Redditch lifted the teams hopes with some crisp passing.

A combination of outstanding defense and needless penalties left Oxford having to punt from inside their 1 yard line. As bizarre plays go, the resulting punt must rank up with the best. Intense pressure from the Arrows and the cramped field position started the play that saw the ball badly sliced by the Oxford punter and the ball went out of bounds after barely crossing the line of scrimmage.

First and goal for Redditch and 1 yard to glory. De Cassan faked a handoff to the fullback then pivoted round to thrust the ball into the eager grasp of Dave Mills who exploded through a gap in the line to drag the Arrows back into the game. Oxford 12 Redditch 6.

Having missed a field goal in the first half, kicking duties were handed back to second year veteran kicker Jon Riddell who duly slotted over the PAT kick. Oxford 12 Redditch 7.

As the game moved into the 4^th Quarter so the fortunes of the Arrows changed again. It was the Oxford pairing of Mayers & Watts, who combined for a 62 TD completion, that saw the Arrows comeback hopes turn to despair. Oxford 18 Redditch 7.

Late in the game and unable to move the ball effectively gave the Saints good field position. At the Redditch 9 yard line a straightforward slant by WR Noble gave QB Mayers his fourth TD pass and finally extinguished any hopes of a Redditch comeback.

Dave Mills Rushing TD