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The Redditch Arrows returned to winning ways on Sunday by defeating the visiting Plymouth Admirals. Having lost
three times already this season the Arrows could ill afford another defeat and looked to their veterans to lead by example. A solid defensive performance that included 2 sacks and 2
interceptions was eclipsed by an incredible display from Running Back Dave Mills who gained 211 yards and a touchdown.
The game started well with the Arrows defense stopping Plymouth's first drive on 3rd and 7 forcing them to punt. Plymouth's defense then got a taste of things to come with some powerful running as the Arrows worked the ball on the ground to good effect. With the Arrows first drive stalled by penalties the defense stepped up on the next play when Ian Looms forced a fumble which was recovered by Andy Mortimer to give the Arrows great field position.
Penalties again littered the next Redditch series cancelling out some great offensive plays when rookie Quarter Back
Matt Gavin lofted a beautiful spiral for Receiver Phil Grove to catch for what looked like a touchdown, however the ball was marked at the 1 yard line. More penalties ensued with the loss of
5 yards for a false start then a holding call cancelling out a Martin Reed touchdown run. Things came together two plays later when Matt Gavin went in for the score to give the Arrows a six
point lead. Jon Riddell kicked the extra point to increase the lead to seven points.
The game then settled into a defensive struggle with both teams trying to find an edge. Early in the second quarter
a Matt Gavin field goal attempt shaved the outside of the goal post and further score looked unlikely until Ian Looms stepped in front of an errant Plymouth pass and after juggling the ball
for what seemed like an eternity gathered the ball in at the Plymouth 34 yard line and headed towards the Admirals goal line. The defensive unit then gave a text book demonstration of how
blocking should be performed by sweeping the Plymouth players aside to allow Looms to return his interception for a touchdown. With the extra point missed the Arrows led 13:0.
On the ensuing kick off disaster was narrowly averted when kicker Matt Gavin made a touchdown saving tackle as the
Plymouth return threatened to go all the way. Again the Arrows defense played tough with Adam Savage and Noel Fischer combining for one sack, Will Powell making another and an interception by
Stuart Irons being the highlights.
Plymouth's score came off a sensational 80 yard fumble return to bring the score back to 13:6 however, the final
part of the Dave Mills show saw some powerful running rewarded with a touchdown from 3 yards out. Jon Riddell converted the extra point to make the final score Redditch 20 Plymouth 6.
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