Titans U19 sink Pirates
July 11th, 2018
East Kilbride Pirates 12 – Manchester Titans 37
The Pirates U-19 side went into this game knowing that a win would guarantee them home field advantage in the semi-finals in August. However, with both regular quarterbacks unavailable, former youth QB Lewis Smith had to move from his position on the defensive line to take control of the offence.
It was the visitors who took the lead on their first drive. Unable to cross the goal-line from 1-yard, despite three attempts, Manchester settled for a 20 yard field goal by Max Ainscough. They soon had the ball back however, recovering a Pirates’ fumble. One play later QB Ben Miles passed to Ainscough for a 33-yard TD and Ainscough also added the PAT to end the first quarter scoring at 0-10.
All the scoring in the second period came late on. Firstly the Titans extended their lead on a 14-yard run by Rebs Quinn (PAT Ainscough) before EK opened their account. Jack Cochrane scored on a powerful 20-yard run. He also attempted to add the 2PAT but he was held up short of the endzone. This left the score at 6-17 as the game reached half time.
Early in the third quarter it was again Cochrane adding more points to the Pirates’ tally. He carried the ball 26 yards to score an unconverted TD and reduce the deficit. Manchester subsequently restored their advantage when Miles and Ainscough again connected, adding a 7-yard score that Ainscough converted.
The Titans sealed the victory with a 8-yard breakout run by Tom Jones and Ainscough added the extra point once more. Despite their best attempts, EK could not generate any consistent offensive momentum and it only remained for Manchester to add a late TD when Jones carried home on the last play of the game.
This Sunday (15th July) see the Juniors make the journey north to take on Highland Wildcats.
Report by Bill Campbell
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