Richard Choksey
21.02.13
York Centurions 0-15 Leeds Celtics
The Leeds Celtics travelled to York on Sunday to take on the Centurions to keep their post-season dreams alive. A crushing last second defeat to the Met two weeks ago might have stripped the Celtics of their will but the team is built on strong foundations. Despite brutal training conditions the Celtics revitalized them and marched on to the match in York determined to win.
The Centurions received the ball to begin the match and the Celtic defense was quick to take the fight into the backfield. Two running plays were quashed and a pass to the flat failed, forcing the Centurions to punt on 4th down. On the other side of the ball, the Celtics’ Offence was inconsistent to begin with. Adam Smith threw ambitious passes and Darren Mould caught one for a first down.
However, this promise was soon tempered when the Centurions intercepted the ball. The first half was characterized by this combination of productivity and adversity but the Celtics maintained field position, facilitated in part by Chris ‘Socks’ Macrae’s second career interception. Consistent pressure put the Centurions up against their own end zone and the fine defensive performance was capitalized with a safety as the 2nd quarter ended.
The Celtics went into the break uneasy about their position. Half time has a habit of bringing out the best in a downtrodden opposition and their 2-point left the Celtics had no margin for error. Anticipation built as the restart approached, and the team steeled itself for a fight. The Celtics took possession of the ball from kickoff and made a concerted effort to establish the running game. A formidable combination of power and agility provided by Trevor Milestone and Jake Milton-Barker left the Centurions reeling.
The defenders began to fear the run, anticipating the threat before they could read the play. The Celtic receivers ran free of their markers and Adam Smith capitalized with an elegant pass to the corner, where Caspian Paget waited to run the ball into the endzone. The touchdown was not converted but it still provided a more comfortable 8-point cushion.
With the score against them building, the Centurions tried to reverse the tide of momentum. A dramatic 1st down conversion on 3rd and long was proof that they were not a team to abandon hope but the Celtics stood strong. Another threatening pass flew astray and Freddie Gough stretched out for a one-handed interception. As the 3rd quarter ended it was apparent that the Celtics had retained control. The running backs continued to punish the Centurions and Trevor Milestone broke through the defenders for a well-deserved touchdown.
Tom Deen added an extra point on the conversion attempt and the score stood at 15-0. As time wound down the Celtic defense kept their composure and returned the ball to the offence once more. A series of solid plays brought a mature performance to an end and the Celtics went home content.