Second half dominance gives Longhorns opening win
Lanarkshire Longhorns threw down the gauntlet to their divisional rivals with a convincing win on the opening day of their 2012 campaign taking them straight to the top of the table.
After finishing last season joint second with eventual national finalists, Gateshead Senators, there’s been a period of rebuilding over the winter and the foundations are clearly there for another fiercely contested season. With only 7 of the 28 man Longhorns squad returning from last season, the new boys have something to prove if they are to realise the Club’s ambition of a play-off spot in only its third year of competition.
A 22 – 0 opening day result over Manchester Titans certainly got the season off on the right foot, maintaining their 100% record against the Lancashire side. The game got off to a slow start with numerous changes of possession and both defences standing firm as the offences struggled to get any rhythm going. Inexperience on both sides was evident as penalty flags and poor ball control led to punt exchanges on most series, but the Longhorns’ Defence was up for the challenge keeping the score to 0-0 at halftime.
The third quarter saw a different Longhorns offence take to the field. Last season’s MVP, William Mclaughlin set the tone with a QB sack in the Titans red-zone, with the resultant punt returned to the Titans 5 yard line by Andrew Reid who had an outstanding game in both the running and kicking game. Reid won another couple of yards before Nicky Farrell carried the ball in for the first of his three Touchdown scores in the second half. From there on it was all Longhorns as the Defence piled on the pain with a further 3 sacks, a fumble recovery and a pass interception, while Farrell at QB got the Offence moving with more commitment and penetration. Not only did he run in a further two touchdown scores, he also converted a pair for 2 point after rushing scores.
As the second half drew on, yards lost and even a pair of touchdowns wiped from the score sheet through penalties on the plays, showed the Longhorns still have work to do if they are to achieve similar success when they travel south to Gateshead and Leeds next month. But with an opening win under their belts the young team will be committing everything to being prepared to do just that, starting on the 6th May when they visit the Senators.
Anyone interested in joining the Longhorns can contact team manager Eric Dougan on 07756423501 or visit the club website www.lanarkshirelonghorns.com for more info.
