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.
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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.
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.
