JURASSIC COAST RAPTORS 9

HASTINGS CONQUERORS 0

JURASSIC Coast Raptors kicked off at their new home ground of the Clayson Stadium at Dorchester, and started it with a well-deserved 9-0 victory against the Hastings Conquerors.

After a week of rain and drizzle the weather cleared on Saturday, just in time for the Raptors evening kick-off.

The Raptors immediately went to work in front of a partisan crowd. The Conquerors received the kick-off and the Raptors defence came out and made a statement, forcing the Conquerors to punt without getting a first down.

The Raptors’ offence promptly turned this momentum into points, quarterback James Warne driving the team down the field, David Laleye capping off the drive running into the endzone for the opening score to make it 6-0 to the Raptors, despite the kick being missed.

The Raptors continued their domination of Hastings in the middle of the field all game long, but every time the Raptors’ offence got within 10 yards of the goal line they ground to a halt.

The Raptors became frustrated with the Hastings defence, which managed to stiffen at just the right time to prevent any more touchdowns.

The Raptors tried kicking field goals, but of four attempts only one was successful.

The Raptors’ defence were again showing their strength, only once allowing Hastings within 20 yards of the goal line, and even then, intercepting the ball and turning possession back to the Raptors.

The Raptors’ defence ended up with three interceptions and stopped almost every run attempt, completely stifling and frustrating the Conquerors’ offence all game.

The Raptors also recovered a muffed punt-return when the Hastings returner felt the pressure coming and let the ball slip through his arms and onto the floor.

Raptors’ defensive back Joe Southcott quickly fell on it and secured it for great starting field position for the Raptors’ offence.

The final score of 9-0 flattered the Hastings Conquerors even though they did not score. The Raptors were dominant, but just could not get the points on the board.