Black Knights open with win over Raptors - The Worcester Observer

Black Knights open with win over Raptors

Worcester Editorial 25th Apr, 2018   0

WORCESTERSHIRE Black Knights opened their British American Football League SFC2 West campaign with a victory after defeating the Jurassic Coast Raptors 32-12.

Following two closely fought encounters last season both teams entered this game with hopes held high they might be able to assert early season dominance.

Head coach Rich Smith sent his defence out to attempt to set the tone for the game but the Black Knights were caught out by the Raptors doublewing scheme which led to an early visit to the end zone for David Lalaye.

The offensive line clicked into gear and the Black Knights running back Sean Franks levelled the scores with a touchdown to make it 6-6.




James Browning failed to covert the kick for the extra point and the Raptors offence began another march down field which resulted in their second score courtesy of Ben Gibson which saw the Black Knights trail 12-6 at the end of the first quarter.

Franks led the charge to the end zone in the second quarter with a rushing touchdown to level the scores and Browning landed the extra point to hand the Black Knights the lead.


A change of tactic from the Raptors proved to be a crucial turning point as quarterback Sean Tapping sought to connect with his receivers ahead of the run game which had served them so well in the opening exchanges.

The damp conditions saw the pass go astray and into the hands of Black Knights safety Matt Clark who seized possession in the Raptors half and Knights quarterback Matt Cole made the most of the turnover with a charge to the end zone which ended with wide receiver Browning cruise over for the touchdown.

Browning stepped up for the extra point as the Black Knights went into the half 20-12 ahead with a lead they would not surrender for the remainder of the clash.

The resurgent Raptors stalled the Black Knights around midfield as the second period began and forced them to punt.

But Knights punter Chris Jones faked the punt, rolled out right and cantered past the down markers to secure a valuable first down to keep the offence on the field which ended with Franks notching his third touchdown of the day.

Rookies enjoyed a taste of the action with the Black Knights holding a two touchdown lead and closed out an impressive start to the regular season when Cole found Jones in the end zone for a touchdown to wrap up at 32-12 win.

The Black Knights hit the road this Sunday for a trip to Bridgwater to face the Somerset Wyverns.

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