Tsunami drop heartbreaker in double overtime

Tsunami made the four hour journey to Norwich full of optimism after what has unarguably been their finest pre-season in team history.

The Colney Lane venue has been kind to the Tsunami over the years providing the scene for their first ever playoff win last year, and a thrilling game in the 2009-2010 season that saw Brighton run out winners after a last minute field goal. This season’s fixture was similarly exciting but ended in considerably less jubilant fashion.

The Tsunami offense was first onto the field lead by starting quarterback Alex Surplice who settled into an early rhythm completing passes to Rookie wide receiver Joe Pascoe and veteran Nathan Crossman on a promising opening drive. The Pirates defence was subjected to a heavy dose of running back David Ndede who bulldozed his way up and the down the field with great success for the majority of the day.

Unfortunately for the Brighton based team their potency seemed to elude them whenever they entered the red zone. The Pirates tenacious linebacking core shone, making numerous key tackles and eclipsing some shaky play by their defensive line who were bullied by the always strong Tsunami unit. Brighton were inside the Pirates 10 yard line on no fewer than three occasions in the first half and came away totally empty handed. Running back James Howard thought he had scored on a quick sprint to the outside but the play was negated by a holding penalty.

These red zone opportunities were afforded to the offense by a stellar first half showing by the Tsunami defence. The unit forced 3 turnovers in the form of interceptions by safeties Stewart Probert and Giles Kennedy, and a fumble forced by Richard Cooling which was recovered by Probert.

After the scoreless first half both offences finally found a way to break the deadlock. Following yet another long, grinding drive, Tsunami quarterback Alex Surplice connected with receiver Matt Shaw with an exquisitely lofted 5 yard pass over the flailing Pirates corner to put Brighton up 6-0. The extra point was unsuccessful and would prove to be costly. The Pirates offense, after having no success throwing the ball in the first half, adjusted to a heavier offensive line and found some success behind their impressive running back Chris Carson.

Carson ran with pace and power and proved a nightmare for the tiring Tsunami defence, powering his way into the end zone from short yardage for the tying score. UEA elected to go for 2 points following the touchdown and yet again handed the ball off to Carson who ran untouched for the score. However this successful conversion was recalled for a penalty and on the resulting play the Pirates quarterback was way off the mark with his attempted throw leaving the game on a knife edge at 6-6.

Tsunami had the chance to win it late on but yet another trip inside the Pirates 20 yard line was wasted when Alex Surplice threw an interception in the end zone aiming again for Joe Pascoe.

The game headed to overtime and the Pirates offense quickly started where they left off pounding the ball up the middle to great effect and notching up their second score of the day to send them ahead 12-6. Again they opted to go for 2 and this time Carson’s successful rush was penalty free giving the Tsunami offense a mountain to climb, and needing to score not only a touchdown but also find a way to secure the 2 point conversion to extend the game to a second overtime.

Quarterback Jake Beale entered the game at the helm of the Tsunami offense and shocked the Pirates defense with his speed and rushing ability dashing for a big gain on the first play. Beale showed off his arm shortly after with a short strike over the shoulder of Joe Pascoe who held on for the touchdown. On the crucial 2 point conversion Beale opted to keep the ball himself and found the end zone tying the game at 14 and sending it into an incredible second over time.

The Tsunami offense took the field first and despite heroic efforts could not find a way through. The drive looked to be gaining steam as the always impressive David Ndede thundered inside the Pirates 5 but was forced to leave the game with an ankle injury after falling awkwardly whilst being tackled. Ndede’s power and bruising rushing style was sorely missed as the drive stalled and the Pirates offense entered the game with the chance to win it with a score. Once more the Pirates running back proved too much rumbling straight up the gut of the defense, through would-be-tacklers and into the end zone. The UEA sideline erupted and the Tsunami defense limped off the field looking dejected after suffering defeat in the most heartbreaking of fashions.

As painful as the loss was Brighton were impressive in defeat allowing only 6 points against them in regular time and creating 3 turnovers on the defensive side of the ball andracking up an unprecedented amount of yardage on the offensive side. Both quarterbacks were impressive and the receiving core which was expected to be hurt by key personal losses showed great promise. Tsunami will look to build on these positives as they head into their clash with the Canterbury Chargers on Sunday whilst UEA entertain perennial powerhouse Hertfordshire.