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Editors: James Lloyd Mark Wyatt Rich Jones Shaun Davey @GairRhyddSport sport@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/sport
Also this week
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Cardiff University’s American Football team defeat the Solent Redhawks 32-20 and set the early pace in BUCS 1A South West. Rich Jones
C
ardiff Cobras American Football team made it two wins from two with a sensational 32-20 success over the Solent Redhawks last weekend. The Cobras had opened up their season with a narrow 14-12 triumph over Exeter a week earlier but headed into their second game as underdogs after the Redhawks thrashed the UWE Bullets 45-0 in week one. Yet Sean Patrick Cook’s side rose to the occasion to take an early lead in the BUCS 1A South West and send a clear message to their divisional rivals. Three touchdowns from Carwyn Chamberlain plus scores from Ross Ludlow and Liam Sharma saw the Cobras come out on top in their first game at Llanrumney since 2014. They went behind early on as their first pass of the game was intercepted and returned for a Solent touchdown.
But they quickly responded with a series of big run plays from rookie Ludlow. A powerful drive was eventually finished off by fellow running back Chamberlain as he ran in for their opening touchdown. Moments later, the Cobras produced a carbon copy with Ludlow again making big yards to march them down the field before Chamberlain sliced into the end zone to give them a 12-6 lead. However, Solent powered over from a yard out on the stroke of halftime to ensure the sides headed into the interval level. The Cobras nonetheless picked up where they left off on offense, with their powerful offensive line continuing to assert their dominance in the run game. Ludlow bagged a well deserved touchdown of his own in the third quarter before Chamberlain completed his hat-trick. Scott Higgins hauled in a well-worked
two-point conversion after their fourth score and they home side led 26-12. A mix-up in the backfield on the Cobras’ next possession gifted Solent a simple touchdown to threaten a tense finale. But they responded with another composed drive, culminating in a perfect pass from rookie Quarterback Max Milburn to find Liam Sharma in the back corner of the end zone. The visitors desperately tried to launch a late comeback, but an interception from veteran linebacker Robin Ford with just over a minute remaining wrapped up a memorable victory. It was a convincing win for the Cobras against a Solent side being tipped by many as the team to beat in the BUCS 1A South West division. They will now head into a bye week high on confidence before hosting the UWE Bullets on Sunday (1pm) at Llanrumney.
Pictured: Head Coach Sean Patrick Cook during his playing days with the Cobras last season. (Photography via Tallboy Images)
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