Clyde Valley wipe out Wolves in National League North opener
The Clyde Valley Blackhawks got their season off to a sensational start with a 26-0 victory against the Edinburgh Wolves in the National League North season opener.
The Wishaw side completely dominated from start to finish, with rookies Callum Woods and Nicky Farrell proving too hot to handle. Woods ran for a 59 yard touchdown, while Farrell grabbed two interceptions.
The pair are just two of an impressive rookie class for the Blackhawks this season, with Willie McLaughlin claiming an interception too.
The Blackhawks ran for nearly 200 yards and three TDs, while the Wolves struggled in all facets of the game.
After a scrappy and scoreless first quarter the hosts had a great chance to take the lead early in the second. Following a long drive, highlighted by a 21 yard run, Wolves kicker Kieran Smith attempted a 32 yard field goal, but his effort fell just short of the uprights.
Clyde Valley finally broke the deadlock midway through the second quarter. Farrell’s first interception and return gave the visitors great field position, with Orr scoring from 14 yards on a neat reverse play.
That proved to be the only score of the first half, as the Blackhawks led 7-0 at the break.
Wolves coach Don Edmonston was less than pleased with his troops at half-time. Unfortunately for him, however, things went from bad to worse for the hosts, who had claimed before the game that the road to the Bowl game went through Edinburgh.
Clyde Valley got the scoring underway in the second half with Phil Moran running in from 17 yards out following a methodical and lengthy drive. Tam Chapman added the PAT for a 14-0 lead that seemed to break the Wolves endeavour.
A Woods punt return fumble gave Edinburgh a great opportunity to open their account, but the Hawks defence stood firm yet again.
The rookie made amends with his massive 59 yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter that pushed the Blackhawks lead to 21-0, effectively ending any hopes the hosts had of staging a dramatic comeback.
A safety increased the lead to 23-0, with Chapman’s field goal in the dying seconds completed the scoring for an emphatic Clyde Valley victory.
After the game, a jubilant Farrell said: “It was definitely down to a team effort. I may have made plays, but if it wasn’t for the work of the team, I wouldn’t have been able to make them. It was a great win.”
Running back Woods said: “It was quite a slow start from the team, but we got our heads down. It was the first game and we’ve got to iron out all the creases.”
On the touchdown, the 20-year-old said: “It felt good. It was my first game and to get a touchdown, I’m really pleased.
“I just got good blocks and saw the gap. There was only one guy to beat but I felt my legs tiring.”
With a tough clash away at Gateshead this Sunday, the Blackhawks will be hoping for more of the same as they aim for a second consecutive victory.
