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The Arrows lost a thriller on Sunday going down 15-14 to Sussex Thunder. The Arrows went into the game determined to
avenge last years play off single point defeat to the Thunder only to see lightening strike twice as the visitors came from behind to snatch the win.
The game started with the Thunder well on top and this early domination was rewarded when they deservedly went ahead
in the first quarter on a 15 yard passing play for the early 7-0 lead. The Arrows struggled to make any impact however their hopes were raised when a blocked punt was picked up by Stuart
Irons who returned the ball 40 yards leaving the Arrows offense in great field position. The Arrows drive ended when an ambitious 40 yard field goal attempt from Matt Gavin hit the upright to
prevent the home team from reducing the deficit.
Whilst the first half was all about the Thunder, the third quarter belonged to the Arrows. The Arrows defense
stopped the Thunder attack on its first drive and then on the back of strong running from Dave Mills the Arrows drove up the field and levelled the score at 7-7 on a 5yard run from Mills and
a successful PAT kick from John Riddell.
Redditch were now in full flow and the Arrows defense forced the Thunder to Punt. Pressure on the kicker forced him
to shank the ball for only a 2 yard gain and leave the Arrows inside the Sussex half. Arrows QB Matt Gavin then connected with Wide Reciever Phil Grove on a 28 yard reception to leave them
first and goal on the Thunder 1 yard line. The Arrows QB then finished it off and went in on a 1 yard sneak for the 14-7 lead.
At this stage on the game the Arrows could do no wrong, a Thunder fumble recovered by Will Powell again gave them
the ball deep inside the Sussex half. However just as it looked that the Arrows would extend their lead, disaster struck. A Mills fumble turned the ball back over to Sussex who managed
to clear their lines. The Arrows then on their next possession went to the air only to see the pass intercepted and returned for Sussex's 2nd score on the day. The Thunder lined up for the PAT kick , but a fake play saw their receiver open in the endzone for a 2 point conversion and the 15-14 lead.
The Arrows tried to get back into the game but had lost the impetus that they had earlier on and another
interception saw Sussex control the clock and tie up the win.
This was a game which the Arrows could have won but were forced to pay the penalty for key mistakes at a critical
point in the match. Again Sussex showed how resilient they are and kept alive their hopes of making the playoffs.
On Offense Dave Mills had 110 yards on 26 carries, whilst on defense Noel Fischer had 7 unassisted tackles and 2
assisted, and Will Powell had 4 unassisted and 2 assisted and a fumble recovery.
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