The Trojans travelled to Slade Park on the Central Coast to do battle with the Sydney University Cubs on a warming afternoon. The Trojans had their work cut out with 5 starters missing for the game, but that was no going to be blamed or be an excuse for the young team with big goals.
The Trojans had scrimmaged with the Cubs in the pre-season, so there was some familiarity between the teams. The Cubs started off the scoring by capitalising on good field position after a Trojans’ fumble. The first of 6 fumbles the Trojans will eventually lose on the day.
Trojans fumbled again on their next drive but the defence held the Cubs, allowing the Trojans to score on their 3rd drive with a great run by Linebacker Nathan Reeves who was helping out on offence. Extra point good and Trojans leading 7-6.
The Trojans’ defence forces a turnover on downs but again the Trojans’ offence hand the ball back over to the Cubs by way of a fumble while on an impressive drive.
A high punt snap gives the Cubs the ball inside the Trojans’ 20 yard line, but another great defensive stand, ending in a Chris Cochbain sack of the Cubs Quarterback, sees that drive stopped.
With 4 seconds left in the half, a long Michael Head to Jarrad Clarke pass play scored the Trojans’ second touchdown. Half time score 13-6.
The Trojans opened up the scoring in the second half with a Jarrad Clarke Quarterback keep. Score 19-6 in favour of the Trojans. Despite losing the turnover battle, the Trojans were leading the scoring battle.
Cubs also scored on their opening drive to make the score 19-12.
Another fumble by the Trojans saw the Cubs in good field position to score the go ahead touchdown. But the Trojans’ defence comes through again with great plays by Linebacker Nathan Reeves and Nose Tackle Taylor Evans getting the ball back for the Trojans on a turnover on downs.
The Trojans’ offence got another drive going, but again fumbled the ball back to the Cubs in decent field position for the Cubs.
This time the Trojans’ defence could not hold again and the Cubs score an 8 point touchdown to make the score. 20-19 in favour for the Cubs.
The Trojans get the ball back and yet again fumble it back to the Cubs, all but clinching the game for the Cubs. The Cubs put the game out of reach with another touchdown, taking the score to 28-19. The Trojans score a consolation touchdown in the last few seconds, making the final score 28-25.
The Trojans’ defence played very well with big contributions made by Nathan Reeves, Chris Cochbain, Patrick Olaaiga and Taylor Evans. Jarrad Clarke made play after play on both defence and offence.
The Trojans have the potential but need to take care of the football to have a chance to show their talent.
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