Hard Fought, Hard Won

The Cardinals latest opponents, the Peterborough Saxons recent victory over division leaders the Cambridgeshire Cats was viewed around the league as something of a shock. After this bruising battle at their Stanground College ground in the Cambridgeshire fens however, it became a lot easier to imagine for the travelling Suffolk squad!
Obviously still high after that enormous win, the hosts proved a mighty difficult foe for the Northgate based county town side, and the fiercely fought match wasn’t sealed until late in the fourth quarter.
Cardinals Head Coach Ian Girling warned his squad that this Saxons side were not at all like their last opponents, the Colchester Gladiators. The Essex side that were thoroughly outclassed at Northgate recently lacked the bulk and sheer physical presence of this Peterborough team, patience and hard work were the order of the day here.
Despite the dry and warm conditions, a stiff breeze blew from one corner diagonally to another, complicating any designs on an aerial attack.
The Cardinals youngster Steven Baines kicked off and the defensive unit took the field.
Under the guidance of Mark Manning, there has been a steady and marked improvement on this side of the ball, more a team hunting together than individual accomplishments. From the outset, it was clear that both sides offensive units would have to work extremely well to advance possession.
Defensive back Troy Shelton set up the Cardinals first scoring opportunity when he intercepted a pass and ran it back into Saxons territory. Baines’ 28 yard field goal attempt was blocked though and the score remained 0- 0.
Not long after, and with more Ipswich defensive pressure, Niall Simmons also grabbed an interception and this time ran it all the way to the hosts endzone for the first score of the day.
Into the second quarter and the Latvian standout Sandijs Jansen forced a fumble that was recovered by Tom Blow. Again however, the offensive unit found it difficult to drive, despite the best efforts of both Paul Borstel and Don Candis, the two powerhouse Ipswich rushers.
Just before halftime the Saxons had their tails up and managed to reach the Cardinals 2 yard line. The defense held firm and Tony Groden dropped the Saxons quarterback for a huge loss to end the half.
After the break, disaster struck. Cardinals quarterback Don Byrd had a pass intended for wide receiver Ben Gladwell intercepted. That turnover led to the only Peterborough score of the day, but a vital touchdown that levelled the scoring when their QB scrambled into the endzone from 7 yards out.
Momentum swung several times in the hectic third quarter as Shelton hit straight back with an amazing punt return for a touchdown that was unfortunately called back for a penalty. Then Candis fumbled possession away after some terrific running.
Into the fourth quarter, and it was becoming obvious that the next score may well decide the outcome. A long pass completion from Byrd to his favourite target, Mehalic Blair put the offense into great field position. A couple of running plays later and Borstel was held up just inches short of the goal line. The next play saw Candis (DC) held at the line, where he reached out with the ball to break the plane of the line to register a touchdown. There were huge cheers on the Cardinals sideline, and no small relief too, as Baines kicked the extra point through the posts.
With just minutes remaining a Jansen sack forced a fourth down play for the Saxons. It was nail biting stuff as the Saxons passer dropped back to throw, but a long attempt was swatted away by Simmons, giving the offense the ball at halfway.
As the clock ticked down the intention was to just retain possession until time expired. Borstel and Candis had other ideas though and continued to run as though their lives depended on it, each trying to outdo the other! It was Borstel that powered home for the final score of the day, an 11 yard score that simply rounded out a gutsy, hard fought but well earned victory – but amazingly marked the Cardinals 5000th competitive point!
With the game secure, linebacker Gavin Bones intercepted a pass with one hand to hammer home the final nail in Peterboroughs coffin and set up a mouthwatering top of the table clash with leaders Cambridge at Northgate on July 18th.
That looks like being an absolute “must see” event for sports fans in Suffolk! The Cardinals 25th season is really shaping up to be a classic!

Coach Girling