The league has advised the games originally scheduled for UWS this week (including the 8pm Trojans’ game) have been moved to Craik Park. The weather may change this again so watch this space for any further updates.
Apr 112014
Apr 082014
Once again, Trojans had to change venue. This time from Craik Park to 5 Sports as Craik Park was closed for the weekend due to the weather. The night remained precipitation free.
The Trojans headed into this game with a lot to prove as the season has not gone as well as recent seasons so far. Trojans’ defence started off the game and took no time in forcing a punt. Then, first play from scrimmage for the Trojans resulted in a 44 yard cross field scamper by Jarrad Clarke and a touchdown. Kris Gacuma extra point was good. 7-0 Trojans.
The next Grizzlies’ drive saw them get a drive going by way of their passing game. With some added running, the Grizzlies’ found themselves on the Trojans 1 yard line. Some great back-to-back plays by Jamie Goddard saw the Grizzlies pushed back to the Trojans’ 12 yard line. Not to be out done by his brother, on 3rd down, Adam Goddard took an interception on the Trojans’ 5 yard line and proceeded to take it up the Trojans’ sideline, all the way to the Grizzlies’ 12 yard line. First play on offence and running back Jason Ielua scores with some good blocking by Ben Vitagliano and Myles Jones. Kris Gacuma extra point was good. 14-0 Trojans.
Trojans then created a turnover on downs at the Grizzlies 1 yard line which was then cashed in by Jason Ielua on the very next play. Extra point good and the score was quickly 21-0, Trojans favour.
The next Grizzlies’ drive was thwarted by a Jarrad Clarke interception at the Trojans’ 30 yard line and returned all the way for the touchdown. Extra point good, score 28-0 Trojans.
The Grizzlies then saw some success through the air on their next drive but a high shotgun snap resulted in a Nathan Reeves forced fumble and Chris Cochbain fumble recovery on the Grizzlies’ 29 yard line. This ended the half.
The Trojans started the second half first and got a good drive going but stalled at mid field. Then another promising drive by the Grizzlies was stopped by a Jarrad Clarke interception giving the Trojans the ball on their own 10 yard line.
Mishaps and miscues saw this drive not even gaining a first down and the ball was punted away. The ensuing drive again saw the Grizzlies knocking on the door, but a sack by Linebacker Chris Cochbain and then a 45 yard interception return by David Fonti destroyed any hopes of a score for the Grizzlies and setup the Trojans in good field position. 4 plays later, on 4th down, Quarterback Michael Head connected with Jarrad Clarke in the endzone for the score. Extra point was wide right. Score now 34-0.
Another high shotgun snap punched a hole in the next Grizzlies drive with a Nathan Reeves sack on 4th down turning the ball over on downs for the Trojans. This time, on 4th down, a short pass caught by Kris Cacuma was taken to the house by breaking 4 tackles. The two point run by Michael Head was good, bringing the score to 42-0.
The Trojans performed very business like with minimal procedural and substitution errors. This was reflected on the field on each down from snap to whistle. It was good to see the Trojans bounce back from last weeks defeat.
Apr 042014
The April 5th, Week 6 clash between the newly formed Grizzlies and the Trojans has been moved to 5 Sports with a 6pm kick-off due to Craik Park once again being closed due to the weather.
Mar 312014
After the game had been moved from Craik Park to 5 Sports due to rain, the night remained dry throughout the battle between and Trojans and Seahawks.
The Trojans knew they had their hands full with the #1 ranked Seahawks who had not been challenged so far this season by any of their opponents. The Seahawks started strong, scoring on a two play offensive drive. Trojans’ defence held the 2 point attempt. Seahawks up 6-0 fast. After the Trojans’ offence failed to get a first down in the entire game last week, they were out to prove that that was an anomaly not the norm for them this year. Opening drive and the Trojans get a first down through a Michael Head QB sneak. This took the pressure off them to get that first, first down. But the drive did end in a punt with some missed opportunities.
The Trojans’ defence were on their heels on the next Seahawks’ drive, but recovered a fumble inside their own redzone. Trojans’ offence got a drive going with the first play resulting in a 29 yard pick up by running back Jason Lelua. A nice catch by Nathan Cornwell and then another strong run from Jason Lelua brought up a first down for the Trojans’ offence, starting to dispel the thoughts that the Trojans’ offence was a weak link for the team. An 8 yard pick up by Adam Goddard and then a 15 yard run by Jason Lelua brought up another first down this time at the Seahawks’ 11 yard line. But there the drive stalled with plays for losses and ultimately an interception thrown on a pass intended for Kris Gacuma.
The Trojans’ defence made some good plays on the ensuing Seahawks’ drive, but it was not enough to prevent a Seahawks’ touchdown by their quarterback on an option play from mid-field. Score now 14-0 Seahawks.
A 22 yard catch by Kris Gacuma started another solid drive for the Trojans which got them into Seahawks’ territory again but the drive ends the same as the last with an interception on a pass intended for Adam Goddard which was returned quickly for a touchdown. Score now 20-0 to the Seahawks.
The next drive ended on another interception, the last thrown for the game by young quarterback Michael Head. The Trojans’ defence held a last minute drive by the Seahawks to end the half.
Trojans got the ball first to start the second half, but unfortunately did nothing with it. A good punt and the Trojans’ defence had good field position to work with. After holding the Seahawks to 4th and 10, Seahawks’ running back #21 took a simple zone running play all the way to the endzone. With the two point conversion good, the score was now 28-0 in favour of the Seahawks.
The first play of the next drive saw Michael Head move up in the pocket and connect with Nathan Cornwell for a 53 yard touchdown strike. With the two point conversion good, the score now stood at 28-8. On the very next drive, the Seahawks executed a counter run play for a large gain and then a similar looking play for the touchdown. A two play drive for the second time of the night. Two point play good and the score is now 36-8, which is where it would end.
The game ended with Trojans’ DE Siale Langi stumbling onto the field to take his position with coach Piscioneri on the spot attempting to prevent him to enter the field and then catching Siale as he fell to the ground. Siale was taken away in an ambulance, having difficulties talking and squeaking your hand. Siale was diagnosed with concussion and was kept in hospital for 4 hours. He was home by 2am and resting on Sunday. We wish Siale a speedy recovery.
As for the Trojans’ performance, the offence certainly did better than a week ago, but the team as a whole have a lot of work a head of them and need to work hard from now until the end of the season in order to make the top 3 and thus the play-offs. The level of attendance and focus at training will dictate the Trojans’ fate.
Mar 282014
Due to the weather, Craik Park has been closed for this weekend. The scheduled Trojans v Seahawks clash at Craik Park has been moved to an 8pm kick-off at 5 Sports 115-125 The Boulevarde, Caringbah.
Mar 252014
This clash had many distractions leading up to it for both teams, so mental toughness was needed for them to put on their best performance. Craik Park was damp from the earlier down fall, but the night remained clear of any precipitation for the entirety of the game.
Panthers returned the opening kick-off to mid field but the Trojans’ defence held them to minimal gain on the drive, managing to force a turnover on downs. Trojans took over but went three and out.
After a good punt, the Trojans’ defence took the field. Good pressure from Mark Lelua resulted in an interception for Jarrad Clarke which he promptly took approximately 40 yards to pay dirt. PAT kick was missed making the score 6-0 Trojans’ way.
The ensuing Panthers’ drive was Deja Vu, this time Jarrad taking an interception 70 yards for the touchdown. The 2 point play was good. Taking the score to 14-0 in favour of the Trojans.
Panthers get into gear and cap off a long drive with a touchdown on the ground. Two point conversion was no good bringing the score to 14-6.
The excitement was short lived for the Panthers, as Kris Gacuma took the ensuing kick-off 70 yards for the score giving the Trojans a two touchdown buffer at 20-6
The next offensive drive from the Panthers saw them quickly get into the Trojans’ red zone but the Trojans’ defence were to have none of that and held them on a 4th down pass play getting the ball back for the offence. Trojans get the ball for only the second time in the game and again they fail to get a first down and punt it away. With seconds left in the half, the Panthers try a deep pass play but good pressure from Siale Langi and Jason Lelua on the Panthers’ quarterback helped Jarrad Clarke to his third interception, ending the half.
Trojans start the second half with the ball. First play was a nice pass down the middle for Jaidyn Williams that would have been a big play, but what looked like pass interference negated that. It must be noted the officials were working with only a 3 man crew and did a great job in the circumstances. The drive resulted in a punt for the Trojans. The offence was really struggling to get any momentum at all at this point.
Another turnover on downs was forced by the Trojans’ defence giving the Trojans field position inside the Panthers’ half of the field; best field position all game for the Trojans. On fourth and one, linebacker Nathan Reeves took a simple dive play all the way to the endzone, showing the offence how to do it. Two point attempt failed. Interestingly, the Trojans did not gain a first down on the drive. The next drive for the Panthers sees a well designed pass play look to go all the way for them, but a touchdown saving tackle from Jarrad Clarke at the Trojans’ twenty yard line gave the defence another chance. But it was a touchdown that the Panthers were determined to score and they did with a short, battering run at the goaline. The Trojans’ defence made a great stand on the two point run play, preventing any further scoring.
Not to be out done, Kris Gacuma returned the ensuing kick-off 60 yards for a score. He’s second kick return touchdown of the game. This ended the scoring for the night, with the final, Trojans 32, Panthers 12.
The Trojans did well in two of the three areas of the sport, namely, defence and special teams, but struggled terribly on offence. In fact the Trojans never got a first down the entire game, something that is very rarely seen. The Trojans can enjoy the win with many injuries during the game resulting in players learning new positions on the run, but the Trojans’ offence needs to start showing up for the team to continue with any further success.
Mar 212014
After the UWS field became unavailable at late notice, it has been a scramble by the league to find an alternative venue.
It has been concluded that Craik Park will host the 2 week 4 games that were schedule for UWS Hockey fields. Further changes to the schedule due to UWS being unavailable for the rest of the season will be reflected on this site once announced.
Follow us on Twitter for latest breaking news.
Mar 102014
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.
Mar 032014
The Trojans had a disrupted start to the season when their 5:30pm game at Craik Park was cancelled and then later moved to 5 Sports Caringbah due to the heavy rain.
Trojans started off well, scoring on their opening drive with a short run by rookie Adam Goddard. The drive consisted of lots of hard running by rookie Jason Ielua. The Sharks hit back scoring on their opening drive as well.
There the scoring settled as defences found their way in the wet and stalled their opponent’s drives. The wet conditions didn’t help offences handle the ball well with many fumbles and bad passes due to the slippery ball. The Trojans had an excessive amount of opportunities to score, but the Sharks defended their endzone well.
In the second half, Kris Gacuma took a short out pattern at mid-field, made a few would be tacklers miss and scored using his speed.
The Sharks scored off of another fumble by the Trojans’ offence, this time in their own half. There the scoring stayed. Neither team converted their touchdowns with field goal PATs not an option at 5 Sports due to the late change. The Trojans’ defence, lead by Nathan Reeves, faced many challenging positions but came through very strong against a tough Sharks’ offence.
The Trojans, with many rookies, got some much needed game experience under their belt and in tough conditions. Back to work for the upcoming game v the Sydney University Cubs.
Feb 282014
The Trojans hosted the Sydney University Cubs at Craik Park for the week 8 clash. The bad weather stayed away to allow an unimpeded game of football.
The Trojans offensive miscues in the first half put the Trojans behind. There was not 6 turnovers like in the first clash of these teams, but many opportunities were missed. In fact the only Trojans’ score in the first half was a length of the field interception return by Adam Goddard. Trojans’ defence and special teams keeping them in the game again.
The second half was better on offence with the Trojans scoring 3 touchdowns, but this was not enough with the Cubs scoring on a kick-off to give them a 9 point lead late in the game. The Trojans rallied but too little, too late saw this one go the way of the Cubs, 30-28.
The offensive issues was simply a lack of training attendance in the previous weeks resulting in bad execution come gameday.