The Seahawks and Trojans have had a long history of playing high stake games including 2 championship bouts split evenly. This would not be one of them as the result of this game would not change the final standings. But there was still plenty of rivalry with a battle of pride and bragging rights.
The night was perfect football weather at 5 Sports. The Seahawks started with the ball and didn’t take long, 3 plays in fact, to get into the endzone. The Trojan’s defence was missing some star players and it showed on this first drive. Seahawks got the two points making the score 8-0 quickly.
The Trojans’ offence took the field and had one bad play after another with many missed blocks, bad decisions and bad execution. Turnover on downs was the result after a badly handled punt snap. Another 3 play drive for the Seahawks see them make the score 14-0. Lack of understanding and effort on the next kick return would see Kris Gacuma trapped deep in Trojans’ territory.
The ensuing Trojans’ drive was an impressive one, getting down to the Seahawks’ 1 yard line where Stephen Meaney cashed in the touchdown behind some good blocking. Extra point was wide right, taking the score to 14-6 in favour of the Seahawks.
On the next Seahawks possession, Siale Langi received a pitch from the Seahawks quarterback and gladly accepted it. The Trojans gave the ball right back by way of an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Score now 22-6. This is how the half ended.
Trojans started the second half with the ball. An impressive, quick drive saw Michael Head crash in from 2 yards out. Michael converted his own touchdown to make the score 22-14. The Seahawks got a good drive going to answer back but it was thwarted by a Jaidyn Williams’ interception.
But like the last takeaway, the ball was given back to the Seahawks on the ensuing drive. The Trojans thought they were so good they could play with only 8 players….for 2 consecutive plays. The results were a touchdown and a two point conversion for the Seahawks. Score now 30-14.
A solid next drive by the Trojans, which included a play by Kris Gacuma where he broke 56 tackles, was what the Trojans needed. The result was a 3 yard touchdown run by Jason Ielua. With the two points good, we have a score of 30-22. A short and impressive Seahawks drive made the score 38-22.
A big kick return by Adam Goddard setup the Trojans offence in Seahawks territory and 2 plays later Jamie Goddard scores on a catch over the middle. Two point conversion good and that rounded out the scoring, Seahawks 38, Trojans 30.
A great second half effort by the Trojans after lackadaisical first half which put them in a bad position. The second half shows what the Trojans can achieve if they choose to focus and work hard. They will need to bring more of that going into the play-offs next week against the Sydney University Cubs. The Trojans lost both games against the Cubs during the regular season and so have their work cut out for them in an effort to advance to the championship game.
